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Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas addresses UR-CE academic and administrative staff on the importance of strengthening English language proficiency and fully embracing English as the medium of instruction in Rwanda’s education system.

On 14 May 2026, the Vice Chancellor of University of Rwanda, Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas, visited University of Rwanda - College of Education where he conveyed the Hon. Minister of Education’s message on strengthening English language proficiency among educators and learners in Rwanda.

The message was delivered in two separate sessions bringing together UR-CE academic and administrative staff as well as students. The discussions focused on the importance of improving communication skills in English and fully embracing the language as the official medium of instruction in Rwanda’s education system.

Addressing participants, Prof. Kayihura reminded them that Rwanda officially adopted English as the medium of instruction in 2007 and emphasized that all education stakeholders are expected to consistently comply with this policy in both academic and professional settings.

“Since 2007, Rwanda decided that English is the medium of instruction. We must therefore embrace it fully in our universities and daily professional interactions,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor encouraged staff and students to minimize the use of Kinyarwanda within the university environment and instead create a culture that promotes continuous practice of English communication.

“The university should be a space where learners are encouraged and supported to confidently use English every day. This is how fluency and confidence are built,” Prof. Kayihura emphasized.

Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas encouraged students to confidently use English in their daily academic and social interactions, emphasizing that continuous practice is key to building fluency, confidence, and effective communication skills.

He further explained that the training programme focuses mainly on strengthening general English proficiency through an immersive and individualized learning approach. According to him, the initiative is designed to help participants improve their fluency, communication abilities, and confidence in real-life conversations rather than concentrating only on academic English.

Prof. Kayihura noted that many professionals possess strong technical and academic knowledge but still face difficulties communicating comfortably in everyday English.

“This programme is intended to help participants translate their technical knowledge into effective day-to-day communication in English,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the need for both staff and students to uphold the values and competencies embodied in the University of Rwanda Graduate Profile, particularly professionalism, effective communication, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, noting that strong English proficiency remains essential in achieving these qualities in both academic and professional environments.

He further noted that the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to improve the quality of education through continuous professional development programmes supported by different partners, including projects implemented with support from the World Bank and SPIU targeting both in-service and pre-service teachers across the country.

The University of Rwanda - College of Education community also welcomed Oriane Ruzibiza, Country Manager of EF Corporate Learning Rwanda, who presented an overview of the SPEAQ programme and highlighted its role in strengthening English language proficiency among staff and students through immersive and personalized learning experiences.

Oriane Ruzibiza presents an overview of the SPEAQ programme to UR-CE staff, highlighting its role in strengthening English language proficiency through immersive and personalized learning experiences.

She explained that SPEAQ focuses on building confidence and fluency in everyday communication through individualized learning pathways tailored to participants’ levels and pace of learning, while supporting effective use of English in academic, professional, and social settings.

The presentation further explained that learners’ progress will be continuously monitored throughout the programme, enabling participants to identify their strengths and areas requiring improvement. Regular assessments and progress reports are expected to support effective learning and encourage participants to remain actively engaged in the programme.

Upon successful completion of the required learning levels and assessments, participants will receive certifications reflecting their English proficiency achievements. These certifications are expected to contribute to professional development and strengthen communication capacity among teachers, instructors, staff, students, and other education stakeholders involved in the SPEAQ initiative.

Engaging moments during separate interactive sessions where UR-CE staff and students exchanged ideas, asked questions, and interacted with the Vice Chancellor and the EF delegation on strengthening English language proficiency through the SPEAQ programme.

During an interactive open discussion session, participants exchanged views, shared experiences, and raised questions about the implementation of tcthe programme while expressing their commitment to fully embrace the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen their English communication skills and professional effectiveness.

Story by
NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-College of Education