This institution plays a pivotal role in shaping national education policy, overseeing entities responsible for curriculum development, teaching standards, examinations, schools’ management, and various other aspects of education.

From the post-Genocide against the Tutsi leadership under Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, the inaugural minister, to the recent reassignment of Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, the longest recorded tenure was that of Prof. Romain Murenzi, who served from 2001 to 2006.

Below is the list of sixteen ministers who have successively led MINEDUC until the present day.

Throughout these 29 years, numerous substantial challenges have been confronted. Ministers grappled with reintroducing education in the aftermath of the genocide, constructing primary schools, training educators, and redesigning curricula. The primary objective was to ensure maximum enrollment of children in schools.

The period spanning from 2003 to 2010 was marked by efforts to counteract the infiltration of genocidal ideology in schools. This was coupled with a significant transition in language preference, favoring English over French. The government also initiated the Education for All program, which spanned 9 years and aimed to boost enrollment in vocational schools among young people.

Nonetheless, the last 13 years have been notably tumultuous for Mineduc, with nearly half of all ministers experiencing turnover. However, this period was far from stagnant. Starting in 2010, the government invested in extending basic education to a 12-year duration, established a national university, welcomed foreign universities to establish campuses in Rwanda, and improved the salary conditions of teachers.

Yet, according to education journalist Joseph Hakuzwumuremyi, in an interview with IGIHE, the instability of educational policy remains a significant challenge that many ministers have grappled with. He asserts that the absence of a consistent educational policy and the prevalence of commercial interests are issues that have hindered any minister from effectively steering the ship of education.

Nevertheless, it is important not to overlook the achievements that have been accomplished. The literacy rate has shown remarkable improvement: in 2000, nearly 50% of Rwandans struggled with reading and writing, whereas by 2019, the figure had risen to 89%.

Technological advancements have also been evident, with 51.6% of the population utilizing the internet, which now covers 95% of the national territory.

These are 16 ministers who have led the Ministry of Education since 1994.