On 28 April 2022, the Jagiellonian University was visited by Rwandan Ambassador to Poland Prof. Anastase Shyaka. The diplomat was received by JU Rector Prof. Jacel Popiel along with JU Vice-Rector for International Relations Prof. Dorota Malec and JU Vice-Rector for Medical College Prof. Tomasz Grodzicki. After the meeting in Collegium Novum, the Ambassador took a tour of JU Museum Collegium Maius.
Prof. Jacek Popiel discussed the history of the Jagiellonian University, which will celebrate the 658th anniversary of its foundation, pointing out that the University provides education in almost all fields, including African Studies. Speaking of that subject, the JU Rector mentioned that it would be his pleasure to welcome Rwandan scholars to the Congress of Polish African Studies, which will be organised in 2024.
The participants of the meeting discussed the study programmes offered by the JU Medical College to international students, including a number of programmes taught in English. Prof. Grodzicki stressed that JU MC is one of the very few academic centres in Poland that provide their students with certificates necessary to practice medicine both inside and outside of Europe, including the USA.
Prof. Anastase Shyaka stated that in his view, universities are one of the pillars of modern societies, emphasising that Rwandan higher education institutions, especially the University of Rwanda, are willing to collaborate with the Jagiellonian University in areas such as medical sciences, social sciences (sociology, international relations) as well as exact sciences.
As a result of the meeting, the Jagiellonian University plans to sign a letter of intent to pursue closer collaboration with Rwandan higher education institutions.
