The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Center in Rwanda welcomed a new student cohort for the academic year, 2021-2022. The new cohort consists of 60 young Africans, of whom 38% are female from over 18 countries.   

The intake is our largest since the inception of our Centre in 2016, and we are so excited to lead these young Africans into the transformation of Africa through scientific breakthroughs.  

We are currently in our second week, and the students hit the ground running with classwork and lectures. Week one was their orientation week, getting them acquainted with their new environment, meeting the staff, and getting to know their classmates. According to them, it has been exhilarating so far.  

“From the last two weeks, what I have seen is that AIMS challenges us to think outside the box, particularly with the math problem-solving,” says Ethel Elikem Mensah, a Student from Ghana. “It’s my first time in Rwanda. I am hoping that I can step out outside in addition to the educational experience because I know Rwanda is known for tourism,” she added.   

The students will undergo a year-long study program to sharpen their skills in mathematical sciences broadened through the AIMS structured Master’s program, which is adding more Data Science courses to the curriculum this year. 

“We are so excited about this cohort because this is our biggest intake of about 60 students, and we are thrilled about implementing the new Data Science courses that we have added this year,” said Professor Blaise  Tchapnda, AIMS Academic Director.  

The intensive structured Master’s degree in mathematical sciences entails ten months of course work and research. The program provides a firm grounding in end-to-end skills, from problem formulation, estimation, prioritization, and generally applicable mathematical and computing methods in big data, computer security, and financial mathematics, to clear and concise scientific report writing. The aim is to equip students with the necessary tools and confidence for policy analysis and decision-making.   

The course is taught by leading scientists and educators worldwide, giving a diverse, international touch to education. Tutors who often include our AIMS alumni, who reside at the campus to support 24-hour support to the students also assist foreign-language speakers, and extra support for visiting lecturers.  

The Structured Masters currently runs at all the five AIMS Centres of Excellence, including Senegal and Cameroon, offering full scholarships to brilliant students interested in pursuing industry-related employment or research.  

AIMS seeks to enable Africa’s talented students to become innovators driving the continent’s scientific, educational, and economic self-sufficiency through its network.  

“I am from Rwanda and well informed about AIMS Rwanda, especially its work in Mathematical sciences. I want to be a researcher, and I believe that AIMS will open doors for me to contribute to averting the effects of global warming, especially in Climate Science,” Jean Modeste Mushimiyimana, Student from Rwanda.  

Since the establishment of AIMS in 2003, over 2,500 students (32% women) have so far graduated from its Centres of Excellence as of September 2021.