Rwanda Tourism University College based in Kigali graduated 885 students on Friday, awarding credentials in the fields of vocational training, business information technology, hotel, and travel and tourism management.

The event, the 2nd of its kind at the tourism institute, was held at Remera Petit Stade in Kigali and boosted the college’s record as a provider of education and training especially in tourism management.

For Callixte Kabera, the Rector of the institute, fresh graduates need to join the rest of the country’s labour force and apply what they learnt in school in the real world.

"An ideal education combines aspects like intelligence, character and tolerance,” he noted.

He added that the institution is out to improve the performance of the hospitality and business information technology sectors which are crucial in the realisation of the country’s Vision 2020.

Prof. Alphonse Munyamfura Ngagi, the Chairperson of the college’s Board of Governors,   congratulated the students, saying that they did not only make their respective families proud but the country at large.

"Your academic credentials open you up for opportunities. Now you will be doing things you were not able to do previously,” he told the graduates.

Zulfat Mukarubega, the founder and legal representative of the institution, called upon the graduates to not only rely on formal employment but also venture into entrepreneurship.

"Nothing gives more satisfaction than starting something small and watch it grow into a big enterprise over time,” she said.

She also thanked President Paul Kagame’s government for availing the right political and entrepreneurial environment.

For the college’s graduates, such as Amuli Uwase Pierrate who graduated from the department of hotel and restaurants management, joy for moving to another level was in the air.

"I am overjoyed because getting a first class degree after four years of struggle is not easy,” the graduate said.

The students’ credentials include degrees, diplomas, and certificates.