The rector

The Rector is appointed by the President of the Republic on the proposal of the Minister of Higher and University Education.
The Rector oversees and coordinates all of the University's activities. In this capacity, he ensures the implementation of the decisions of the Board of Directors, the University Council and the Management Committee;
(a) He chairs the University Council and the Management Committee;
b) He ensures compliance with the university's status and regulations;
(c) He exercises all the powers of the management committee in the event of an emergency;
(d) He exercises the police power of the university;
e) He may convene and attend, with voting rights, the council meetings of the faculties, departments, institutions and organizations of the university. However, he may attend examination juries without voting rights. In both cases, he shall chair them.
f) It opens and closes course sessions and examination sessions;
g) He confers academic degrees, countersigns legal academic diplomas, scientific diplomas, those specific to the university, as well as honorary doctor degrees conferred by the university;
h) He represents the university in all official external relations with both national and international authorities;
(i) In case of emergency, it takes necessary measures which fall within the competence of the university council, which is responsible for informing it at its next meeting;
j) He makes an annual report to the Board of Directors on the operation of the University.
The Rector is assisted in the exercise of his functions by an Academic Secretary General, an Administrative Secretary General, a Budget Administrator and a rector's office.

The history of the University of Kinshasa, dating back several decades, is the first of the Congolese universities and reveals a rich succession of Rectors since its creation in 1954. They are listed below with their period of service.

List of rectors of the University of Kinshasa since Lovanium