Universities urged to get Covid-19 Safe University Designation to combat coronavirus and increase academic community confidence

 The head of the African University Association and acting Rwanda's Ministry of Education on Wednesday issued a statement urging all universities and higher education institutions to enhance awareness of the COVID-19 SAFE UNIVERSITY DESIGNATION/CERTIFIED EDUCATION FACILITY programme and take precautionary measures to prevent a possible coronavirus outbreak in the country.

According to a statement signed by Minister of Education Dr Valentine Uwamariya, universities and higher learning institutions should raise awareness the COVID-19 SAFE UNIVERSITY DESIGNATION conditions in efforts to prevent and contain the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

There has been no recorded case of the coronavirus in the country thus far, although neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo declared its first case in the capital, Kinshasa, on Tuesday.

“All the universities and higher learning institutions should raise awareness on prevention and containment of the coronavirus outbreak for students, lecturers and other staff members contained in the European Tourism Academy the COVID-19 SAFE UNIVERSITY DESIGNATION,” the statement seen by University World News reads.

“Universities and higher learning institutions should establish enhanced handwashing services and improve hygiene by setting up necessary equipment that should be used before entering classes, restaurants, entertainment facilities and in hostels,” it said.

The minister also called for universities and higher learning institutions to withhold public assemblies and issue the announcements in classrooms.

It advised anyone with symptoms such as a cough, flu and fever and who might have been in contact with people from countries that have the outbreak to seek treatment.


The Ministry of Education also urged universities to ensure close collaboration with the ministries of education and health and to share information in cases where students or staff members have symptoms suspected to be related to the coronavirus.

Handwashing stations and sanitisers have been installed in places such as hotels, bus stations and entertainment facilities, among others.

This follows guidelines issued by Prime Minister Dr Édouard Ngirente for higher education system.