Senator Laurent Nkusi has urged graduates to work hard in order to succeed in life.

Prof. Nkusi made the remarks yesterday during the third graduation ceremony of the Rwanda Tourism University College (RTUC).

A total of 433 graduates were awarded degrees in various disciplines at Petit Stade, Remera.

Speaking as chief guest, the lawmaker and academic told the graduates not to be complacent.

"Don’t sit back and wait for lady luck to come your way. This is just the start of another journey,” Prof. Nkusi told the graduates.

Prof. Nkusi, a former cabinet minister, represents the interests of private tertiary institutions in the Senate.

At least 124 graduates were awarded bachelors in business information technology, 122 in hotel and restaurant, and 138 in travel and tourism management.

Callixte Kabera, the RTUC Vice-Chancellor, said that all the graduates had met the minimum requirements.

"We are proud of you. Always remember that education is what is left after one has forgotten all that they learnt in school,” Kabera said.

He urged them to be good ambassadors of RTUC as they venture into the world of opportunities.

"We expect you to fly the flag of RTUC high in Rwanda and the region,” he said.

The best performers were rewarded with laptops, smart phones, trips abroad to various destinations, and instant job placements, among others.

Maurice Kayibanda topped Business Information Technology while Francis Mugwaneza was second best in Travel and Tourism, followed by Noela Ange Izere, who graduated with a bachelors in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

The best student from vocational training was Patrick Tuyishime.

RTUC says they are committed to producing highly competitive graduates capable of creating own jobs and boosting the tourism industry.

Over 85 per cent of RTUC graduates get jobs in local companies, including hotels while the rest have been able to create their own jobs.

Since its inception in 2008, RTUC has passed out 1,558 graduates.

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