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The African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science (ACEITLMS), based at the University of Rwanda – College of Education (UR-CE), successfully concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop held from 26–27 January 2026 at UR-Rukara Campus. The workshop brought together postgraduate teaching staff and supervisors from all UR-CE schools to reflect on supervision practices and strengthen the use of digital technologies in postgraduate teaching and research.

The workshop was officially opened by Prof. Florien Nsanganwimana, Principal of UR-CE, who emphasized the pivotal role supervisors play in determining the quality of postgraduate training, research output, and student success. He called on academic staff to approach supervision with seriousness, commitment, and a strong sense of responsibility.

In his remarks, Prof. Nsanganwimana noted that postgraduate education remains central to the University of Rwanda’s research mission and national development agenda. He stressed that effective supervision goes beyond academic expertise and requires consistent engagement, ethical conduct, and timely guidance.

Prof. Florien Nsanganwimana, Principal of UR-CE, delivering opening remarks during the ACEITLMS workshop on postgraduate supervision and digital transformation at UR-Rukara Campus.

“Supervisors are at the heart of postgraduate success. Their dedication and availability directly influence completion rates, research quality, and the reputation of our institution. Supervision is a responsibility that must be taken seriously,” he said.

He further highlighted that digital tools are now essential in supporting quality supervision, enabling timely feedback, effective communication, and accountability in the supervisor–supervisee relationship.

ACEITLMS’ mission is to strengthen human capacity for delivering research-based, high-quality teaching and learning of mathematics and science in Rwanda and across the African region. Its key areas of focus include teaching and learning, research and training, and community engagement. As part of the ongoing review and modernization of its Master’s programmes from the 2024–2025 academic year onwards, the Centre has prioritized digital transformation to support effective teaching, learning, and supervision across postgraduate programmes at UR-CE.

Over the past five years, ACEITLMS and UR-CE schools have graduated about 50 PhD holders and more than 500 Master’s graduates. While these achievements reflect strong progress, participants acknowledged the need to further enhance supervision quality through modern, efficient, and technology-driven approaches.

The first day of the workshop focused on reflecting on eight years of postgraduate supervision at ACEITLMS, sharing success stories, and addressing challenges related to supervisor–supervisee relationships, ethical boundaries, and balancing quality with timely completion. Breakout sessions enabled participants to propose practical strategies for improving supervision practices and research outcomes.

The second day focused on updating postgraduate modules on the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS). Facilitated by experts from the Centre for Open, Distance and eLearning (CODeL) and the Directorate of Teaching and Learning (DTLE), participants engaged in hands-on training on developing quality online content, including videos, H5P activities, and Open Educational Resources.

The training was jointly organized and coordinated by ACEITLMS and CODeL, marking an important step in strengthening digitally enabled, accountable, and high-quality postgraduate supervision at UR-CE.

Story by

NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-CE