Kigali –December 3 –the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology, in partnership with Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), launched a Bachelor of Science programme in Nuclear Science and Technology, marking a major milestone in Rwanda’s efforts to build local expertise in the nuclear sector.

The BSc. in Nuclear Science and Technology is a four-year degree that combines rigorous theoretical training with hands-on experience in advanced laboratories, including a dedicated Nuclear Science Lab. Students will specialize in nuclear techniques, health physics, radiation protection, and environmental monitoring, while benefiting from industrial attachments and research projects that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

The first cohort of 52 students has been enrolled for this academic year 2025-2026, where the main criteria for admission were to have a strong background in mathematics and Physics

"Nuclear science and technology is a large and rapidly growing sector," Prof Ignace Gatare, the Principal of UR's College of Science and Technology said during the launching ceremony. "It includes medical applications, agriculture, and many industrial uses, because it can be applied widely, in medicine, in industries, and in advancing manufacturing."

“That is why it was important for us, together with our partners, to build this capacity and ensure we have students who will advance the sector,” Gatare added.

By introducing this programme, Rwanda is not only addressing its own human capital development needs but also contributing to a continental vision where Africa takes the lead, not just a consumer, of advanced nuclear technologies.

RAEB CEO, Dr Fidele Ndahayo, said the programme aligns with the country's broader strategy to apply nuclear technology across multiple sectors, including energy, health, agriculture and industry.

“This program is not just an academic initiative. It is a bold statement of Rwanda’s vision: to harness nuclear science and technology for sustainable development, for the health of our people, the prosperity of our economy, and the protection of our environment.”

In his remarks, he told the enrolled students and those who will do join in the coming years that they are the pioneers of Rwanda’s nuclear future, and stand as not only learners but nation-builders and a generation that ensures Rwanda does not just consume technology, but creates, adapts, and leads in nuclear innovation.

“The skills you acquire here will empower you to contribute to critical sectors; in energy, through Nuclear Power to power our industries and economies, in healthcare, through nuclear medicine and cancer treatment, in agriculture, through food safety and improved crop yields, in industry, through irradiation technology, testing, quality and innovation for improved competitiveness of our commercial products, in environmental protection, through monitoring and safeguarding our ecosystems, among others.”

During the ceremony, Dr. Edward Kadozi, Director General of Rwanda's Higher Education Council (HEC), highlighted that one of the challenges the country faces is the lack of a stock of skills in different highly professional areas, such as nuclear sector, however, this programme comes as a solution and great contribution to the local talent pool, looking at four years ahead.

“We need to build, together with partners, the capabilities of research, innovation and technology,” he said.

For the past seven years, Rwanda has been sending students to study nuclear-related fields abroad through partnerships. This effort has produced more than 200 nuclear scientists. 

Rwanda is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the African Regional Cooperation Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA).

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