Education experts call for stronger links between university training and labour market needs

By The Inspirer.

Education experts and university leaders say that for students to graduate with meaningful and market-ready skills, universities must ensure their academic programmes are tightly linked to labour market needs, supported by strong internship and professional training components.

The remarks were made in Kigali during the recent Africa Academia Conference and Awards, where institutions across the continent were recognized for offering problem-solving, competency-based education.

One of the award-winning institutions was Kampala University of Uganda.

Muhammad Faquih Ddungu Kateregga, its Deputy Resident Director and CEO of the BDK Network, said their programmes combine academic learning with exposure across different countries to broaden students’ experience.

“We have strengthened student-centred learning, especially in ICT-related programmes where students explore and innovate,” he said. “We work closely with the government and national councils responsible for higher education to ensure that what we teach aligns with global job-market requirements.”

He added that Kampala University sends students to countries such as Germany and Malaysia through partnerships that help them gain international exposure.

Established in 1998, Kampala University has five campuses and an office in Kigali to support prospective Rwandan students.

Rashida Kateregga, the University’s Resident Director and Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees—also present at the Kigali awards. She said that the recognition was based on Kampala University’s commitment to accessible and solutions-oriented education.

“This African award was given to us because we provide inclusive education. We offer scholarships, bursaries, and additional support that enable learners to pursue meaningful and impactful programmes,” she noted.

Rwanda to strengthen internship system to boost graduate employability

Rwanda’s Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has announced that it is in discussions with the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) to introduce a structured internship programme that places university students in workplaces before they graduate.

Speaking to the media, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana said employers frequently report that graduates enter the job market without hands-on experience, forcing institutions to retrain them.

“In many countries, students undertake internships while still in school — they spend about six months in the workplace, then return to complete their studies,”

 “By the time they graduate, they already have the experience needed to compete for jobs.” Minister Nsengimana added.

He explained that Rwanda currently practices post-graduation internships, but the new approach would shift placements to earlier years of study.

“We are working with MIFOTRA to introduce this programme so that students begin internships before they complete their degrees,” he said. “It is expected to start soon and will help students better position themselves in the labour market.”

However, the minister clarified that sending students abroad for internships is not part of the national plan. Instead, universities—particularly those teaching tourism-related programmes—may independently seek partnerships with foreign institutions to expose students to international standards.

MINEDUC reports that Rwanda currently has 39 universities, and the government plans to expand and strengthen the higher education sector.

Minister Nsengimana added that the new internship system will help institutions assess students’ strengths and weaknesses based on real workplace performance, both in public and private institutions.

      

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