INES-Ruhengeri and Université Scientifique Libre de Bamako Explore Potential Partnership in Health Sciences

11 August 2026 - INES-Ruhengeri welcomed Professor Hamadoun Garba Cissé, Founder of Université Scientifique Libre de Bamako (USLB), Mali, for an official visit aimed at exploring opportunities for institutional collaboration between the two higher learning institutions.

The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange information about their academic priorities and discuss areas of potential cooperation, particularly in Health Sciences, student mobility, internships, research, staff exchange, and practical training.

Professor Cissé was received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Mr Alexis KAYISHEMA, together with members of the INES-Ruhengeri team. During the visit, the INES-Ruhengeri team presented the institution’s background, mission, academic programmes, student population, international student support services, and its practical and competency-based approach to higher education.

Professor Cissé, in turn, presented Université Scientifique Libre de Bamako and highlighted its contribution to health professional training in Mali. He emphasized USLB’s commitment to developing health professionals equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond to the country’s healthcare needs.

Focus on Health Sciences

Health Sciences emerged as a key area of interest during the discussions. Professor Cissé toured INES-Ruhengeri’s laboratories and practical training facilities supporting programmes such as Biomedical Laboratory Sciences and General Nursing, among other health-related programmes.

The tour offered an opportunity to showcase INES-Ruhengeri’s capacity for practical, laboratory-based and competency-oriented training.

Potential areas of collaboration discussed include student mobility, staff exchange, joint seminars, collaborative research, internships, and technical cooperation between relevant academic departments.

During the discussions, Professor Cissé indicated a plan for USLB students to undertake studies or academic activities at INES-Ruhengeri, potentially beginning in October 2026 or early 2027.

This prospective student mobility initiative could become an important first step in establishing a broader institutional partnership between INES-Ruhengeri and USLB.

The visit marked a positive beginning in discussions between INES-Ruhengeri and Université Scientifique Libre de Bamako and demonstrated the potential for strengthening academic cooperation between Rwanda and Mali, particularly in the area of health professional education.