Experts from LUNEX award first micro-credentials in Rwanda

Experts from LUNEX award first micro-credentials in Rwanda on occasion of the inauguration of Syllabi, a public university pioneering accredited micro-credentials for upskilling professionals in Africa

Kigali, Rwanda, 2 September 2024 – The Rwanda Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) formally inaugurated Syllabi, a public university focused on skills-enhancement and workforce development in Africa on 30 August 2024. Prominent figures including Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and Skills, Rwanda’s Minister of Education Gaspard Twagirayezu and Minister of State Claudette Irere awarded certificates to 60 Rwandan students. They successfully completed a three-months preparatory course in Biomedical Science and Vaccine Production provided pro bono by LUNEX. LUNEX is excited to contribute with its renowned international experts in health sciences to Rwanda’s educational system, offering the first micro-credentials awarded by Syllabi.

Syllabi delivers high-quality, practice-oriented online education in line with international standards as demonstrated by this pilot course. It aims to equip professionals with specialized skills to develop a market-ready workforce for industries affected by rapid innovation. Partnerships with globally leading academic institution allow Syllabi to offer short courses for advanced professional training in key industries such as biomanufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals processing. Companies in these sectors need continuous upskilling for sustainable value creation. Syllabi can provide cutting-edge training on the continent to ensure future trends continue to strengthen Africa’s economic development.

Syllabi’s innovative approach reinforces Rwanda’s role on the continent as a hub for educational innovation and professional excellence. Minister of State Claudette Irere highlighted the value of course accreditation in her commencement speech: [“These micro-credentials certify ECTS credit points, a key international standard in higher education. Your achievements in this course can thus qualify you for a job, and they may also count towards an academic degree program due to their high academic standard.”]

Prof. Matthias Afting, Director at LUNEX, commented: “This course represents the cutting edge of professional training in the pharmaceutical sector. Rwanda’s commitment to embracing advanced online education and preparing the workforce with practice-oriented trainings is reinforced by the Ministry of Education’s support for this pioneering initiative. We are especially proud that some of our graduates are already in a hiring processes with international biomedical companies.”

About Syllabi (www.syllabi.rw):

Syllabi is a public institution of higher education in Rwanda dedicated to delivering accredited short courses and micro-credentials designed to meet the demands of fast-growing labor markets in Africa. It is operated by the African Biomanufacturing Institute (ABI), to provide high-quality training for professionals in various industry sectors.

About Rwanda:

The Republic of Rwanda is committed to ensuring sustainable development through the promotion of education, health, and economic growth. Rwanda aspires to be a knowledge-based economy and a regional leader in education and innovation.

About LUNEX:

LUNEX University of Applied Sciences (Établissement d’Enseignement Supérieur Spécialisé) is accredited in Luxembourg by the Ministry of Research and Higher Education. Our bachelor and master programmes therefore meet European standards. We offer physiotherapy, sport and exercise science, sport management, nutrition and corporate health management. LUNEX boasts an academic profile that focuses on content and our students and researchers benefit from interdisciplinary exchange between our closely connected faculties.

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