The Rector of the National University of Rwanda (NUR), Prof. Silas Lwakabamba met His Excellency Zhong Jianhua, the Special Representative of China on African Affairs at the Embassy of China in Rwanda in Kigali on 22nd February 2013. These two officials held discussions on cooperation in Education between NUR and Chinese universities.

The discussions turned around the cooperation in research exchange of students and staff between NUR and Chinese universities. Prof. Lwakabamba told media that there is already such cooperation but it is going to be extended. He said: “China has offered scholarships to a number of our students. We want to extend that type of cooperation to exchange of students whereby our students can go there and some of their students can also come here in Rwanda to learn what we are doing here. The other issue of cooperation is about exchange of staff whereby our professors can learn what is going on in China in the area of social economic development and their professors can learn on Africa specifically on Rwanda”.

The special Representative of China on African Affairs in his talks with NUR Rector expressed his curiosity about one university project in Rwanda. Here, the Rector of NUR as a member of the taskforce of One university project , explained that all public universities will merge into one university by September 2013 but with a transition period of two years. Prof. Lwakabamba elucidated that this period aims at putting everything in order. He notified that the taskforce of one university project will need expertise from countries where there is education system of One university to monitor education quality.

On Saturday, the special Representative of China on African Affairs His Excellency Zhong Jianhua accompanied by the ambassador of China in Rwanda, His Excellency, Shu Zhan visited NUR and delivered a public lecture on China Economic Revolution. This lecture was given to specifically students of political sciences and they were very enthusiastic to know more about China.

The special Representative of China on African Affairs gave details on Chinese economic revolution which succeeded thanks to efforts of every citizen. He then talked about the Cooperation and exchange between China and Africa. On this point, His Excellency Zhong Jianhua, explained that the foundation of cooperation between China and Africa results into the history whereby Africa was a great partner of China in Economic revolution and China committed to reward Africa.

Ambassador Zhong Jianhua concluded his presentation by urging students to understand their role in the development of the country as future of Rwanda and also future of Africa and the whole world.

Students appreciated the presentation by the special Representative of China on African Affairs and thanked the government of China for the support it offers to Rwanda government and these students asked many questions and commented on several issues including cooperation among Rwanda and China students, the permanent seat of China in security council, Chinese electronic products, China’s understanding on security in Africa and UN reports on Rwanda among other items of reaction on presentation.

NUR Rector chatting with the special Representative of China on African Affairs.

NUR staff members who flanked NUR Rector.

The Special representative of China on African Affairs with Prof. Herman Musahara shortly after a visit at the NUR memorial site.

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts,Media and Social Sciences and the Head of the Department of Political Sciences receiving the Special Representative of China on African Affairs together with the Ambassador of China in Rwanda.

The Special Representative of China on African Affairs addressing students of Political Sciences on China Economic Revolution.

Students of Political Sciences during the presentation by the Special Representative of China on African Affairs on China Economic Revolution.

Students asked questions and presented their opinions in relation with China.

By Jean Baptiste Micomyiza