INES-Ruhengeri Hosts Public Talk on Regional Academic Programme Accreditation

On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, INES-Ruhengeri held an enlightening public talk presented by Prof. François Nsengiyumva on the topic: “EAC Standards and Guidelines for Regional Academic Programme Accreditation.” The event took place at 11:00 AM in the Main Hall and attracted faculty members, administrative staff, and students eager to explore the future of quality assurance and academic relevance within East African higher education.

Prof. Nsengiyumva, drawing from his recent training organized by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) which brought together university professors and representatives from the Higher Education Councils (HECs) across the region offered thought-provoking insights into the evolving academic landscape.

“As educators, we often teach the way we were taught. That is no longer enough. The labour market today is not the same as it was yesterday,” he emphasized.

Shifting from Job Seekers to Job Creators

A key message from the session was the urgent need for curriculum transformation to align with labour market demands. Prof. Nsengiyumva advocated for a shift from a teacher-centered approach where the teacher dominates the classroom—to a student-centered learning model that encourages engagement, critical thinking, and practical application.

“Teach me and I forget. Involve me and I learn,” he said, echoing the principle of learning by doing as the cornerstone of modern education.

He stressed that today's university graduates must be equipped not only with knowledge but with the skills and mindset to create jobs, rather than merely seeking them. This requires a deliberate policy direction ensuring that all curriculum content remains relevant to real-world economic and social challenges.

Accreditation as a Gateway to Internationalization

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Nsengiyumva highlighted the strategic importance of pursuing regional academic programme accreditation under the EAC guidelines.

“Achieving regional accreditation strengthens the university's credibility, promotes academic mobility, and positions INES-Ruhengeri as a player on the international stage,” he noted.

A Talk Aligned with INES-Ruhengeri’s Mission

This session directly addressed all pillars of the university’s mission: teaching, research, and community outreach as well as key components of human resource development. It served as both a reflection and a call to action for INES-Ruhengeri to advance its goals of academic excellence and regional integration.