A total of 139 students graduated with degrees in various disciplines during the University of Kigali’s maiden graduation ceremony yesterday.

Speaking at the ceremony in Remera, Kigali, Prof. Kaaya Siraje, the university vice-chancellor, urged the graduates to use the knowledge they acquired to develop themselves and the country.

Kaaya asked the graduates to share the skills they acquired with society, adding that learning was a continuous process.

"You are the lucky ones, the first cream of University of Kigali. Many of you will become political, industrial and community leaders. I am confident you will make worthwhile contributions to your families and the country as a whole,” he said.

"Let me also remind you that you must continue to learn and improve your skills. Success is a journey, not a destination. Receiving your degrees today does not signal an end but rather the beginning of a long journey. It is what you do and how you do it after graduation that will determine your success in life.”

Education minister Papias Musafiri Malimba challenged the graduates to play their role in the country’s development.

"I challenge you to continue this great journey of shaping our destiny. That is what makes Rwanda unique; our ability to rebuild a prosperous nation from scratch,” he told the graduates.

"The ball is now in your court, to raise the standard and build a competitive edge. This country needs competent people at all fronts. Today, you are part of this challenge, and we look to you to propel our economy to greater heights.”

Francoise Riziki, who graduated with Bachelor of Laws, said she would use her knowledge to fit in the labour market.

"There are many fields to apply laws without waiting for a job,” Riziki said.

Eduard Habyarimana, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Management and Economics, said the knowledge he acquired had enabled him start his own business.

"I help people in tax declaration, an idea I picked from a course unit,” he said.

Philbert Afrika, the chairperson of the board of promoters of the university, urged the graduates to be ambassadors of the institution.

"We work to ensure a rigorous selection (process of the students). We want the best students in our varsity. We want you to participate in the decision-making of the university by providing feedback and counsel,” he told the graduates.

The University of Kigali was accredited in October 2013.

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