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UMST receives new 30th cohort students

The University of Medical Science and Technology (UMST) on September 2, 2024 welcomed new students for the 2024/25 academic year making it the 30th batch of students administered since its inception in 1996.

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UMST receives new 30th cohort students

The University of Medical Science and Technology (UMST) on September 2, 2024 welcomed new students for the 2024/25 academic year making it the 30th batch of students administered since its inception in 1996.

The event was graced by Khalid Musa, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Sudanese Embassy in Rwanda. Speaking at the inaugural event to welcome the new students, Dr. Rose Mukankomeje the Executive Director of the High Education Council (HEC) emphasized the importance of education and health for Rwanda’s development. "Education and health are very key for us as a country and we thank the government’s support in expanding higher education institutions in the medical field,” she explained “We need more such institutions, but the quality is paramount,” she added, stressing the goal of improving medical services within Rwanda to reduce reliance on foreign healthcare.

Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, the Executive Director of the High Education Council (HEC) while speaking to new students emphasized the importance of education and health for Rwanda’s development.

She said that Rwanda’s reputation for beauty, security, and cleanliness is not enough. The country is constantly striving to transform into hub for knowledge and welcoming new students like these is a good step in the right direction. "Health goes hand in hand with wealth to produce better results in terms of development. I welcome you to feel at home here in Rwanda kindly remember to work hard. Work until it hurts and work until it heals," she told the new students. She encouraged them to prepare for life beyond school, emphasizing the importance of discipline and forward planning for the future. Today, Rwanda has four medical training schools including the University of Rwanda College of Medicine, School of Medicine at the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA), Africa Health Sciences University based at King Faisal Hospital and UMST.

Some of the new students at UMST pose for a group photo

On her part, Dr. Suzan Homeida, the Deputy Chairperson of the University Board of Trustees, implored the students to understand that impacts of joining a university that is deeply committed to excellence in education and healthcare. “Medicine is a noble profession that requires hard work, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. In the coming years, you will grow, learn, and develop the skills needed to make a real difference in people’s lives. We are here to guide and support you on this journey,” she said In the same spirit, Prof Samir Shaheen, the Vice Chancellor at UMST advised the new students to embrace Rwanda’s rich culture and history saying it is a place that values unity, progress, and resilience—qualities that should inspire the students during their time of studies He reminded them that the path they have chosen is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding and reiterated commitment to help them achieve their goals and dreams “The University’s dedicated teachers and staff are here to provide you with the best education possible, and to help you become the best healthcare professionals you can be. We believe in your potential to not only succeed but also to contribute to the betterment of healthcare in your communities and beyond,” he said.

Dr. Africa Gasana, the Chairperson of Rwanda Medical and Dental Council (RMDC) says that a moment to receive new medical students at UMST is a milestone.

Dr. Africa Gasana, the Chairperson of Rwanda Medical and Dental Council (RMDC) says that a moment to receive new medical students at UMST is a milestone not just for the students but the entire healthcare sector in Rwanda. “We recognize that training and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is a responsibility of immense importance as it addresses the growing need for skilled, dedicated and ethical medical practitioners in Rwanda,” he pointed out. He tasked the new students with the unique responsibility to set a high standard for those who will follow after receiving the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare. “One of the most important lessons you will learn throughout your journey is the value of interprofessional collaboration. Healthcare is a team effort that involves working closely with other professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients,” he said. UMST was established in Sudan’s capital Khartoum in 1996 with a main campus comprising two Faculties namely, Medicine and Medical Laboratory Technology. From 2 faculties and 60 students, it grew over the years and in 2021 it had 17 faculties and over 7000 students, and more than 27 postgraduate degrees in both medical disciplines and humanities.

Prof Samir Shaheen, the Vice Chancellor at UMST says that the cooperation between University of Rwanda and UMST is outstanding

UMST is well equipped with state of the art teaching equipment

Khalid Musa (L), the Chargé d’Affaires at the Sudanese Embassy in Rwanda being guided through a school tour

Some of the equipment available at UMST

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The Mayor of Kigali City Pays courtesy call on UMST

The Mayor of Kigali City, Samuel Dusengiyumva recently made an important visit to the University of Medical Science and Technology (UMST) Kigali Campus, underscoring the city’s interest in strengthening its healthcare and educational infrastructure by understanding UMST’s activities and its role in advancing Kigali’s medical training and healthcare services. Dusengiyumva met with senior faculty and staff to discuss ongoing projects, including partnerships with the University of Rwanda and UMST’s planned expansion in Kigali. "UMST’s commitment to healthcare and medical training is clear. The City of Kigali is ready to support initiatives that bring more medical services and learning opportunities to our community," he said. A highlight of UMST’s plans is the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital and student hostels in Busanza Sector which will provide both medical services to the community and accommodation for students. Mayor Dusengiyumva praised these plans, noting that they align well with the city’s vision for community health and education. "Projects like these are essential for Kigali’s future. They ensure access to healthcare and create a supportive environment for medical students," he noted. On his part, UMST Chancellor Professor Mamoun Homeida shared insights on the university’s journey since 1996, as well as its focus on medical education, research, and service in Rwanda. "Our goal has always been to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s healthcare system and to train future medical professionals and researchers. This planned hospital and student accommodation are steps toward creating an integrated learning and healthcare environment." said Prof. Homeida. Homeida also expressed appreciation for the support UMST has received from the Rwandan government, highlighting that the new facilities will be instrumental in addressing healthcare needs and improving student life. “Your support has allowed us to invest in Kigali and build a foundation for medical education here,” he said. The meeting included a campus tour where the Mayor and UMST leadership inspected the school’s infrastructure and equipment, demonstrating their commitment to collaborate in strengthening Kigali’s healthcare capacity and educational resources through joint efforts.

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Sudan’s Higher Education Officials laud Rwanda’s academic excellence

8-09-2024 - In an effort to assess the academic conditions of Sudanese students studying abroad, a delegation from Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, led by Prof. Mahamed Muhamed Alnoor, recently visited Rwanda. During the visit, Prof. Alnoor, Head of the Sudanese delegation, expressed his admiration for the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) and Rwanda’s academic landscape in general. “We are here as part of an ongoing mission to follow up on universities where Sudanese students are enrolled. Due to conflicts in Sudan, many of our students have relocated to countries like Egypt, Qatar, Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda. We came to ensure they are well cared for academically and socially,” he explained. The delegation visited UMST, which offers programs in medicine, medical laboratory technology, and dentistry, with a student body of over 700, almost all of them from Sudan. Alnoor praised the university’s facilities, noting that they exceed the standards set back in Sudan. “To be honest, the building, the environment, and the standards are better than what we see back home. The students we spoke to are happy, they study and graduate on time, which is different from what I have seen in other countries where our students are studying,” he added. The delegation was also highly impressed with Rwanda’s overall hospitality and governance. Alnoor stated, “Rwanda is not only an inspiration to Sudan but to all other African nations on how to transition from colonial rule to a modern, independent state. All African countries has something to learn from this experience.” Prof. Samir Shaheen, Vice-Chancellor of UMST and a Professor of Pediatric Orthopedics, also expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between Sudan and Rwanda. “We are happy with Rwanda for warmly receiving us. The students and faculty have integrated well into the community. We’re happy to have chosen Rwanda as our destination,” he said. Established less than one year ago, UMST is now fully recognized as a cross-border university, accepting students from Rwanda and the surrounding region. “We have received full support from the Rwandan government and the Higher Education Council. Our admissions will close on September 14,” Shaheen revealed. In conclusion, Alnoor emphasized the importance of Sudanese students understanding the proper application procedures for foreign universities to avoid any complications. “Our students here are safe, they study and pass well. I have no doubt that many more will come in the future because the feedback from Sudan is very positive,” he noted. With the delegation’s glowing remarks, it is clear that the collaboration between Sudan and Rwanda in higher education is flourishing, providing a solid foundation for future academic partnerships.