By Jacqueline Lidonde
On March 16, USIU-Africa was honored to host Ms. Francoise Tengera Kayitare, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda. Her visit marked a significant milestone in fostering international collaborations and partnerships between USIU-Africa, and the esteemed University of Rwanda.

The visit, provided an invaluable opportunity for Ms. Kayitare to familiarize herself with the campus and explore potential areas of collaboration between the two institutions. Accompanied by a delegation from the East African Community (EAC) Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization & Health Supply Chain Management (RCE-VIHSCM) at the University of Rwanda, the visit was marked by fruitful discussions and insightful exchanges.

During their time on campus, Ms. Kayitare and her team engaged in discussions with the Interim Vice-Chancellor, delving into areas of mutual interest and exploring avenues for future collaboration. The discussions focused on leveraging the respective strengths to address pressing challenges in education, research, and community engagement.

One of the highlights of the visit was a comprehensive tour of the campus facilities, allowing the guests to witness firsthand the state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources available at USIU-Africa.

From cutting-edge research labs to innovative learning spaces, the tour showcased the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student-centered learning. The delegation was graciously hosted by Prof. Shital Mahindra Maru (B.Pharm, M.Pharm, MBA, PhD.), Dean of the School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Prof. Maru provided valuable insights into the innovative programs and initiatives undertaken by USIU-Africa in the field of healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences.

The meeting also served as a platform to exchange ideas and best practices in higher education, laying the foundation for potential joint initiatives and research partnerships. By fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration, USIU-Africa aims to enrich the academic experience for students and contribute to the advancement of knowledge on a global scale.

As we reflect on the success of Ms. Kayitare's visit, we look forward to nurturing and deepening the collaboration with the University of Rwanda and the broader East African community. Together, we are poised to make meaningful strides in advancing education, research, and innovation for the betterment of society.

The university extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Kayitare and her delegation for gracing us with their presence and for their commitment to strengthening academic partnerships across borders. May this visit mark the beginning of a fruitful and enduring collaboration between the two institutions.