Fostering Excellence in Higher Education: Lessons from Rwanda at the Africa Universities Summit

Kigali, March 19, 2025 During an engaging session at the ongoing THE Africa Universities Summit, Philip Cotton, Vice Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, and Nathalie Munyampenda, CEO of Kepler, explored the theme of “Sharing Rwandan Best Practice to Elevate Africa on the Global Stage.” The discussion centered on the evolving landscape of higher education, highlighting both the challenges faced and the pathways to improvement.

Munyampenda opened the session by introducing Cotton, noting his extensive experience in leading both public and private universities. She highlighted his pivotal role in merging fourteen colleges into the University of Rwanda and his current efforts to shape the University of Global Health Equity. The conversation’s crux revolved around how to fix higher education, a question that Cotton approached with both insight and a recognition of the complexity involved.

Cotton recounted his journey through the higher education system, emphasizing the importance of leadership. “One of the problems with higher education is leadership,” he noted, sharing his personal experience of overseeing a large educational institution. He advocated for the need for university leaders to express vulnerability, connecting more deeply with students to foster a positive educational environment. “We need to believe in the power of young people to make transformation and change the world,” he asserted.

The dialogue instantly addressed systemic challenges, with Cotton highlighting the issue of insincerity in educational assessments. He argued that assessment practices could often demean students rather than support their learning journeys. “The greatest injustice in education comes through assessment,” he explained, advocating for reforms that prioritize meaningful evaluation over superficial metrics. This sentiment resonated deeply within the audience, reminding leaders of the vital importance of dignifying students in their educational experiences.

Munyampenda echoed these sentiments, pointing out the need to keep students at the center of higher education discussions. She acknowledged the structural challenges faced by institutions, particularly in terms of financing and maintaining infrastructure. “How do you center the student when you have such structural challenges?” she asked, urging the need for innovative solutions to ensure that education remains accessible and transformative.

Cotton responded by discussing the need to insulate students from institutional challenges, advocating for a more supportive regulatory environment. He pressed for a shift away from punitive regulations towards a developmental approach that nurtures educational growth. Cotton elaborated on initiatives at his university to recruit diverse students, particularly women, and from underrepresented backgrounds, showcasing how equity can be achieved through intentional recruitment efforts.

Among the participants were Nick Davis, President of Times Higher Education (THE) for the Middle East and Africa.

As the session progressed, Cotton highlighted his university’s commitment to social justice, noting the positive impact they’ve had on local communities. By fostering co-operatives that provide essential supplies to the university, they’ve increased local employment and contributed to regional economic growth. His assertion that “the average salary has tripled” within the community underscored the far-reaching impacts that educational institutions can have beyond their campuses.

Munyampenda concluded the session with a call to action for all education leaders in attendance, emphasizing the importance of measuring success based on the impact of graduates on the community. “The true measure of success lies in what our students do after they leave,” she declared, challenging the audience to reflect on how best to prepare students for future endeavors. The discussion ultimately highlighted the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in higher education, offering a hopeful and pragmatic view for elevating African universities on the global stage.