Mount Kigali University has ramped up its efforts to enhance the School of Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management by further investing Rwf 40 million in state-of-the-art equipment.
The newly purchased tools, including camping gear, mobile toilets, books, and other materials, are all aimed at advancing the university’s mission to become a leading centre for hospitality and tourism education in the region.
“Our goal is to ensure that our students gain the skills and practical experience necessary to excel in the hospitality and tourism industries upon graduation,” said Vice Chancellor Dr Matin Kimemia on October 24, while handing over the equipment.
He also delivered certificates to hospitality students who attended the Africa Culinary Week held earlier in August.
The prestigious event was organised in collaboration with the Africa Chefs Alliance and Rwanda Chefs Alliance and brought international chefs from across Africa to the university for a week of intensive culinary training.
Dr Nelly Wamaitha, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Research Affairs, reinforced Mount Kigali University’s dedication to delivering high-quality education, emphasising that this commitment is supported by ongoing investments in advanced equipment and infrastructure across all departments. She stated that the university recently acquired equipment, such as dental chairs with compressors and dental handpieces used with micromotors, to enhance training in the field of dental therapy.
Chef Shaun Smith, head of the Africa Chefs Alliance, commended Mount Kigali University for its investment in top-tier equipment and infrastructure, which he believes will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Rwanda’s hospitality industry.
“This is one of the best-equipped universities I have visited so far and their commitment to equipping its students with standard facilities is truly remarkable,” Smith remarked during his visit in August.
“This level of investment in practical learning tools, combined with the excellent infrastructure, sets a strong foundation for students to excel in their careers. They not only receive top-notch training but also benefit from cutting-edge facilities that mirror real-world professional environments.”
Dr Paul Okumu, Dean of the School of Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management, expressed his gratitude for the investment and highlighted the importance of practical, skill-based training for students’ careers.
“There’s still a gap between academia and real-world experience, and materials like these, along with our improved infrastructure, are helping us close that gap,” Okumu said.
Pauline Umwiza, one of the hospitality students who participated in the Africa Culinary Week, expressed her gratitude for the university’s investment in practical learning tools. “The facilities are a game-changer for us,” she shared.
“It’s not just about learning theory anymore. We now have the opportunity to apply what we learn in class using the same tools we will encounter in the industry. It’s inspiring to know that Mount Kigali University is investing in our future, which makes more excitement for making the university our primary choice.”
She also highlighted the importance of the hands-on experience expected to be gained from the upcoming Kigali Paramount Hotel. “Having access to a real-world setting like the Kigali Paramount Hotel is incredible. It gives us the confidence to step into our careers knowing we’ve been trained well and have what it takes to stand out in a professional environment,” Umwiza added.
The university continues to invest in both education and industry partnerships, as it aims to become a regional leader in hospitality and tourism education. The Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism department in particular is looking to add more programmes like events management and Master’s in hospitality and tourism management, among others.