Second group of Sudanese students continue studies in Rwanda

Omar Bashir Taha’s hope to study further was shattered when the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces started fighting in his home country Sudan in April 2023 and, as the war escalated, forced universities to close and disrupted public services.

The student, one of about 7,000 from the Khartoum-based University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), had to halt his studies until November when 108 students were able to join the University of Rwanda (UR). On 19 November, the group participated in an induction programme at the UR’s Huye campus. They are currently enrolled at the college of medicine and health sciences, where they will initially spend two years of their medical studies.

The students are part of the second group of Sudanese students who are studying at the university. The first group of about 200 students arrived in August 2023.

As one of the relocated students, Taha’s despair has turned into joy.

“It has been seven months since we stopped studying, due to fighting back in our country. We had no hope to continue our studies.

“After seven months without studying, adjusting will take time and effort, but I eagerly anticipate the experience. I was delighted with the teachers at the induction and I have high expectations to learn from the best in this new academic environment,” he said.

He said that the labs were impeccable, with state-of-the-art equipment, and the teachers, along with 15 assistants, all hold PhDs, and were ready to assist refugee students.

Diversity

Muhammad Elhady, another student who used to study at UMST in Sudan, also expressed his appreciation to be in Rwanda.

“I am thrilled to continue my studies here. In fact, there is nothing that can deter me from pursuing my education after I was welcomed in Rwanda,” he said.

“Beyond academics, I’ve discovered that Rwanda is a beautiful country with peace, security, and stunning mountains. Hopefully, we will successfully complete our studies here,” Elhady said.

Dr Alphonse Muleefu, the acting principal of UR’s college of arts and social sciences, encouraged the students to engage in campus activities and build connections both on campus and within the surrounding community.

“We look forward to learning from your diverse backgrounds, as that is the beauty of Africa. We are strong in our diversity,” Muleefu said.

An expression of pan-Africanism

Professor Mamoun Homeida, the chairman of the board of trustees at UMST, Khartoum, commended Rwanda’s gesture to accommodate Sudanese students, describing it as an expression of “pan- Africanism”.

He cited Rwanda’s political peace, tranquillity, and impressive development as factors in choosing the country.

According to Homeida, the students will follow UMST’s curriculum, which is similar to the one of the college of medicine and health sciences in Rwanda, to ensure a seamless learning experience.

“We plan to spend at least one-and-a-half years on this campus, completing the preclinical phase in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Afterwards, we will move to other locations in Rwanda to teach clinical medicine. Thanks to the president, the government, and the people of Rwanda for their warm and friendly welcome,” Homeida said.

“These students will keep following our university’s curriculum to ensure a seamless learning experience. We guarantee that their graduation will align with the accredited curriculum,” he added.

Dr Muhizi Charles, the vice dean in the medical department at UR, emphasised the institution’s readiness to assist Sudanese students, especially considering the ongoing conflict in their home country.

Sources revealed that UMST plans to relocate to Rwanda, allowing students at the institution the opportunity to complete their studies in a more stable environment.