Rwanda Awards Five Institutions Accredited As EAC Centers of Excellence

Five institutions were awarded last Thursday by Rwanda's Ministry of East African Community (EAC) after being accredited as EAC Centres of Excellence, the highest number in the region. The institutions include Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, Tumba College of Technology, National Examination Board, Institute of Science and Technology Research and Rwanda National Museum Institute.

In her remarks, Minister of East African Community Jacqueline Muhongayire explained that EAC Treaty provides for cooperation in education, training, science and technology. It is in this regard that the EAC Secretariat called for Partner States to apply for regional Centres of Excellence in 2009, to promote Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), tertiary education institutions, universities, research, ICT, culture, language and tourism institutions within the EAC.

"These awards demonstrate Rwanda's strong participation in East African related issues and particularly quality education that borrows on culture. All Rwandans should exploit the opportunities and benefits from EAC integration," said Minister Muhongayire.

The 15th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State, on 30 November, awarded the above mentioned institutions as well as the best performing students in EAC Essay Writing Competition 2013. Maurice Mwiseneza, a student from Cornerstone Leadership Academy in Rwamagana came in fourth place.

In addition to the five institutions, the team that led Rwanda's successful negotiations for the establishment of the EAC Monetary Union were also awarded certificates of recognition.