UTB in partnership with ICDL Africa held a breakfast meeting with theme “tomorrow’s workforce

UTB in Partnership with ICDL Africa held a breakfast meeting with theme “Tomorrow’s Workforce”. The aim was to discuss digital skills gaps in workforce and how Academic Institutions can contribute in bridging it.

Present were representatives from the Ministry of Labor (MIFOTRA), Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), various Universities Rwandair, Rwanda Revenue Authority, Rwanda Development Board and other Public & Private Institutions.

On the panel discussion, it was highlighted that the survey done for the workforce shows that the need for Digital Skills is not needed only for the workforce but also the government needs to embed these skills for the children from the primary level so that all citizens embrace the knowledge and ability to use the technology.

The Vice chancellor of UTB , Dr. Callixte Kabera , shared a testimony on how the University has started digitalizing every work whether in the administration up to the students’ data management. The university has incorporated the use of eLab where students have access to international journals, and they can also follow up all their records through an eLearning platform available for the Institution. This has greatly helped the university management and staff in their daily work as it is an effective way of delivering quality Education.

In her remarks to the audience, the General Manager of ICDL Africa, Solange Umulisa thanked the idea of having the event as organized by UTB and promised that ICDL Africa is ready to give all the needed support to provide the Digital Skills in line with the required standard.

The Guest of Honor from MINICT, mentioned of the major gaps in the workforce that has originated from higher learning institutions as the graduates are having huge gaps in terms of digital skills needed in the workforce. He mentioned that recommendation of adopting ICDL will address the need in the workforce. Prior to that, he added that the Government is committed to supporting ICT growth in the country and many projects are in the pipeline to realize this as part of the Government agenda to have a knowledge based economy.