CUE Welcomes University of Kigali Dean as Rwandan BCDI Scholarship Students Build Cybersecurity Expertise

Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) was pleased to welcome Dr. Musoni Wilson, Dean of the School of Computing and IT at the University of Kigali, to campus to visit Rwandan students pursuing graduate studies at CUE through BCDI-supported scholarships.

Dr. Wilson was welcomed by CUE President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Tim Loreman, Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Barb van Ingen, Dean of Management Dr. Sherif Elbarrad, and Dr. Eslam AbdAllah, project lead and Associate Professor.

CUE has received more than $553,000 in scholarship funding through BCDI to support Rwandan students pursuing graduate education in cybersecurity and information systems. First-cohort recipients Annick Igiraneza and Yvan Patrick Ndizeye are completing their studies and are expected to graduate in spring 2027, while Genevieve Uwamariya and Danny Idukundatwese, members of the second cohort, began their studies at CUE approximately one month ago.

“Receiving this scholarship has given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills in information systems security in an international academic environment,” said Yvan Patrick Ndizeye. “My experience at CUE has strengthened my technical expertise and broadened my perspective on cybersecurity. I look forward to using what I have learned to contribute to the cybersecurity community in Rwanda.”

For Annick, the scholarship also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for women in cybersecurity and technology. “Scholarships like this are especially important for encouraging more women and girls to pursue studies and careers in cybersecurity,” said Annick Igiraneza. “Women given opportunities in this field can inspire the next generation of girls and show them that cybersecurity and technology are fields where they can succeed and make a difference.”

The visit provided an opportunity for CUE and the University of Kigali to celebrate student success and strengthen their academic connection.

“We are proud to support these students as they develop the knowledge and skills they will take back to contribute to their communities and their country,” said Dr. Tim Loreman. “This initiative demonstrates the value of international academic collaboration and the opportunities it creates for students.”

Dr. Wilson welcomed the opportunity to see CUE and connect with the students in person. “It is a great pleasure to visit Concordia University of Edmonton and to see our students learning and growing in this academic environment,” said Dr. Musoni Wilson. “We greatly value the opportunities these scholarships are creating for our students and look forward to continued collaboration between our institutions.”

As the first cohort prepares to complete its graduate studies and the second cohort begins its journey at CUE, the scholarship program demonstrates the transformative impact of international academic collaboration. CUE looks forward to continuing to welcome students from Rwanda and to building on its academic relationship with the University of Kigali through opportunities in cybersecurity, information systems and beyond.