Silas Lwakabamba was born in 1947, he grew up and studied his elementary and secondary education in Tanzania. He attended the University of Leeds in England where he studied Mechanical engineering, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1971, a Doctor of Philosophy in 1975, and he attained his Professorship in 1981 from University of Dar es Salaam.[8][9] Lwakabamba was awarded twice the honorary degrees in recognition of his contribution to higher education, in 2005 the Doctor of Technology by the Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, United Kingdom, and in 2007 the Doctor of engineering by the Solent University in Southampton, England.[10]
Academic career
University of Dar es Salaam
After graduating with a PhD in Mechanical engineering from University of Leeds, Lwakabamba returned to Tanzania, he joined the staff of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam and served as head of Mechanical Engineering Department until 1982. Subsequently, he became Dean of the Faculty at the same institution until 1985.[11]
ARCEDEM
In 1985, Lwakabamba moved to Nigeria and joined African Regional Center for Engineering Design and Manufacturing (ARCEDEM), a UN-sponsored project, based in Ibadan, Nigeria with aim of assisting African member states in development of capability for engineering design and manufacturing of industrial and agricultural machines and equipment.[12] He served as director of training and extension services, until 1997.[13]
Subsequently, he was appointed by President of Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, as Vice Chancellor of National University of Rwanda, a former largest university in Rwanda which was merged with other higher education institutions of Rwandan government into the created University of Rwanda in 2013.[16] While Lwakabamba was in the office he also chaired Inter-University Council of East Africa among others.[17] Lwakabamba served the positions until 2013.[18]
In October 2015, Lwakabamba was appointed Vice Chancellor of University of Kibungo also known as University of Agriculture, Technology and Education of Kibungo (INATEK) which was based in Ngoma, Rwanda.[19] He resigned from position after two years, Lwakabamba told the Igihe.Com that poor working relationship with owners of the institution was the reason.[20][21]
Subsequently, he was appointed as Minister of Education succeeding Vincent Biruta.[25] While Lwakabamba was in the office, he called for more research to boost Rwandan education.[26] The Ministry of Education signed a long-term contracts with IBM and Microsoft for boosting Rwanda education and research system.[27][28] He served the office until June 2015.
