Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, has warned that students involved in serious misconduct—including fighting, assaulting teachers and bringing or distributing alcohol and drugs at school—could face permanent expulsion.
Nsengimana said the government is tightening disciplinary measures to ensure schools remain safe and conducive to learning, following concerns raised by school leaders about student discipline.
He made the remarks in an interview with Radio 10 while discussing planned changes in the education sector and challenges affecting schools.
“School should be a place where students come to learn. It should be a place where someone can sit, feel safe and be able to learn,” Nsengimana said.
Alcohol and drugs banned at school
Nsengimana said schools must remain free from alcohol and drugs, with the restrictions applying to students, teachers, school administrators and other staff.
He said no one working or studying at a school should arrive after drinking alcohol, bring alcohol onto school premises or distribute it there.
“Whether it is a student, a teacher, a school head or any other staff member, they must not come to school having drunk alcohol, bring alcohol to school or give alcohol to others at school,” he said.
He also warned that selling or distributing drugs at school would be treated as serious misconduct.
Under the measures announced by the minister, students involved in alcohol or drug-related offences at school could face permanent expulsion.
Fighting, assaulting teachers also punishable
Nsengimana said fighting, injuring others and assaulting teachers would also attract severe disciplinary action.
“The penalties will be severe because alcohol and drugs in schools will lead to permanent expulsion. The same applies to fighting, injuring others and assaulting a teacher,” he said.
He said the tougher measures are intended to protect students and prevent behaviour that disrupts learning.
Students needing help to receive support
Nsengimana stressed that the tougher disciplinary approach would be accompanied by support for students struggling with alcohol, drugs or other behavioural challenges.
He said such students could be referred for assistance outside the school environment so they can receive appropriate support without disrupting other students or the learning process.
The Ministry of Education is seeking to strengthen discipline and safety in schools as part of broader efforts to improve the quality of education.
