Journalism School gets space at KIST

●GLMC to be integrated in the school

KIGALI – The School of Journalism and Communications has acquired a building on the campus of Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) to pave way for the long-awaited transfer of the school to Kigali.

The school is currently attached to the Huye-based National University of Rwanda (NUR).

This was confirmed by the NUR Rector, Prof Silas Lwakabamba in a telephone interview yesterday, who said the premises were acquired by the Ministry of Information, through the Education Ministry.
 
“We managed to get a building at KIST which used to house the CSS bank and negotiations have been finalized. We are now planning to start furnishing the building before shifting the faculty to Kigali,” said Lwakabamba.

Asked whether the premises would be ready for the beginning of the next academic year, Lwakabamba sounded pessimistic. 

“I cannot be sure because there is still a lot of work to be done on the building and it looks like it might take some more time as renovation has to go through a tendering process,” said Lwakabamba.

He added that once in Kigali, the school will merge with the Kigali-based Great Lakes Media Centre (GLMC).

GLMC, which also operates under NUR, currently offers certificates and diplomas in short media courses to practicing journalists.

“This will help us utilize the same facilities like laboratories and lecturers which will make everything convenient.”

The move to relocate the school from Huye is expected to benefit many practicing journalists based in Kigali where most media houses are located.

Early this year, the Minister of Information, Louise Mushikiwabo, told The New Times that the move to relocate the school was aimed at raising the level of journalists’ professionalism in the country.

“Many practising journalists cannot make it to Butare because of the long distance. If the school is relocated to Kigali, many people will have an opportunity,” Mushikiwaho said in the interview.