Honourable Ministers and members of Rwanda’s higher institutions; Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Rwanda, Mr. Young Hoon Kim; Mr. Kim Sang-Chul, Resident Representative of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA); Rectors of the National University of Rwanda and neighbouring universities; Faculty, staff, and students: Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen:·I am pleased to come to discuss the role of higher education in the life of our nation, and more crucially, the contribution of the university community in the transformation of our society.
·Let me also thank the Government of the Republic of Korea for the continued cooperation between our two nations, and in particular, their support in building and equipping the new ICT School that we have just inaugurated.
·When we look back over the last decade, we can see an obvious steep growth curve in our country’s higher education.
·There can be no doubt that this expansion has collectively benefited all Rwandans.
·But we must also be aware that growth of this nature brings challenges that we must find adequate answers to. For instance, physical infrastructure and the quality of education have not kept pace with the increase in student enrolment. Retention of staff is a critical issue because of the high demand for qualified people in many different areas.
·To respond to these challenges, we must revisit the core mission of an institution like the National University of Rwanda.
·At the core of every university’s mission is the pursuit of new knowledge – seeking new ways of doing things to meet present and future challenges. The crucial question for us as a nation, and for you at this university, is how NUR is positioning itself to do this.
·Let me state that it is the people who carry ideas and skills, and are not afraid to make discoveries that will shape the future – whether of an institution such as this one, a nation like ours, or the world.
·This is the educated society our universities should be helping to create – one that is less reliant on government for all the answers, but one that will become the driving force and strong partner of modernisation.
·And to adequately take on this responsibility requires that you adopt a new mentality that permits you to turn ideas and knowledge into tools of transformation.
·This also means scholars do not have the luxury of living in the so-called “ivory tower” – you have to be practical and in touch with the realities on the ground in order to find solutions to our country’s many challenges.
·In addition, the university community must equip yourselves to build on the truth about our country and ourselves – our past, present and vision for the future. We cannot and should not rely on the testimony of others, who may even be strangers to our situation.
· Teaching practices must also change to keep up with the times. They have to leave behind archaic practices that stifle creativity, so that we become more innovative. Students should be scrambling for seats in your classes!
·Similarly, students: act like the opportunity creating youth of the 21st century that you are! Why be content with being spoon-fed from lecture notes?
·You, too, must abandon the thinking that things must come to you easy. Nothing ever does come easy. You have to work for it.
·This is the lesson we all learn from looking at where Rwanda has come from, where we are now and where we want to be. No one – from people running government to young people in schools and university – can afford to think or act like things will come easy. We have to fight for every inch we cover. This is the reality, this is the truth.
Dear Students, faculty, and staff:
·Our countries are continually challenged to adapt to fast changes brought about by technology. It is up to you to take advantage of this modern technology to make a huge difference in the lives of our citizens.
·You have the further advantage that this technology has already been developed and you can therefore skip many stages of invention. You should use the time saved to leapfrog to where those who developed it are by using it to learn, do research, and find solutions to our development needs.
·Modern technology gives you other tools like social media. For example, facebook and twitter allow people to exchange ideas, express themselves – the opportunities are limitless, so you should join in and become a part of it. In these tools lies transformative power for our nation, and it is literally at your fingertips, if you choose for that to be the case.
·Furthermore, our increasingly integrated and globalised world requires that universities reposition themselves to offer more relevant and marketable courses, and higher quality teachers and graduates, to remain competitive. We are all aware – these adjustments require resources.
·Some of these resources, like the ICT Centre, are already in place. Others, you are able to generate yourselves. I am happy to note that the university is meeting more than 50% of its budget from its own resources. It is possible that this percentage can be raised.
·In conclusion, let me say that Education is a priority for our Government precisely because without it, Rwanda will not achieve our development objectives, and indeed our broader vision. That is why you – the students and teachers present today – will continue to receive our highest attention.
·Thank you for your kind attention – let us now continue our conversation through your questions and comments.
Author: His Excellency, President paul Kagame,
HUYE, 16TH MAY, 2011
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