Ministry of Education Rwanda and Higher Education Council Rwanda Conduct Outreach Visit to Kigali Independent University and ULK Polytechnic Institute
On Thursday, 7th May 2026, the Honorable Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, together with the Director General of the Higher Education Council Rwanda, Dr. Eduard Kadozi, Eng. Theodore Dusabimana, Head of Polytechnics in charge of Quality Standards at HEC, Philippe Ndikubwimana, Analyst at HEC, alongside other officials from the education sector, visited Kigali Independent University and its technical education branch, ULK Polytechnic Institute.
The visit forms part of a nationwide outreach initiative by the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Council aimed at assessing, monitoring, and strengthening the quality of education and academic programmes offered in universities and higher learning institutions across Rwanda. The initiative aligns with the national commitment to advancing quality, inclusive, and market-relevant education under Rwanda’s Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) 2024–2029.
During the visit, the delegation held discussions with the university leadership and conducted a physical tour of the institution’s infrastructure, learning facilities, laboratories, equipment, and academic environment. The delegation also reviewed various initiatives undertaken by ULK and UPI to enhance teaching, learning, research, innovation, and practical skills development.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Minister Joseph Nsengimana commended the Founder and leadership of ULK for their continued contribution to Rwanda’s education sector and encouraged the institution to continue aligning its academic standards, programmes, and strategic orientation with the national education priorities and quality assurance frameworks. He emphasized the importance of maintaining quality education standards as Rwanda continues its ambition of becoming an international education hub in Africa.
Honorable Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana addressing attendants during a brief meeting with the management of ULK
The Minister further highlighted the significance of strengthening higher education institutions to produce graduates equipped with competencies, skills, values, and innovation capacity that respond to both national and global development needs. The visit also reflected the government’s commitment to reinforcing collaboration with private higher learning institutions in achieving the goals of the Education Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029.
During presentations made to the delegation, ULK showcased its institutional achievements, academic programmes, infrastructure development, research and innovation strategies, internationalization efforts, and community engagement initiatives. Established in 1996 by Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda, ULK has grown into one of Rwanda’s prominent private higher learning institutions, with campuses in Kigali and Gisenyi, and students from more than 43 nationalities.
The university also highlighted the contribution of ULK Polytechnic Institute, founded in 2014 to support Rwanda’s growing demand for technical and professional skills. UPI offers programmes in construction technology, land survey engineering, electrical technology, electronics and telecommunications, among others, with a strong emphasis on practical training and employability.
Addressing the delegation, the Founder and President of ULK Ltd, Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, HEC, and all education stakeholders for their continued support and strategic guidance toward the development of Rwanda’s education sector.
Founder and President of ULK Ltd, Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda addressing the delegation
He reaffirmed ULK’s commitment to sustaining quality teaching, learning, research, and innovation, while continuing to contribute solutions to local, regional, and global challenges through higher education. He also emphasized the institution’s dedication to producing graduates who are not only academically competent, but also guided by ethical values, leadership, and social responsibility.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment between the government and the institution to continue strengthening collaboration in promoting excellence, innovation, and quality education in Rwanda’s higher learning sector.
MINDECU, HEC, ULK management, staff and students in a group photo
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