A total of 3,024 students graduated from eight colleges under Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), marking the first cohort of Bachelor of Technology (BTech) recipients.
The ceremony, held at the BK Arena on May 9, was attended by various participants, including students, parents, guardians, and officials.
Among the graduates, 29.2 per cent were females and 70.8 per cent were males, receiving certificates ranging from Diploma to Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Technology. Notably, 72 prospective graduates fulfilled the academic requirements in Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering from IPRC Kigali and IPRC Huye, respectively.
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The graduating cohort represents all eight recognised colleges nationwide, including IPRC Gishari, IPRC Huye, IPRC Karongi, IPRC Kigali, IPRC Kitabi, IPRC Musanze, IPRC Ngoma, and IPRC Tumba.
In her welcome speech, Sylvie Mucyo, the Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication, emphasising RP’s commitment to providing practical expertise and intellect.
She highlighted the significance of the graduation ceremony, underscoring the graduates’ transition into a new phase of life where they will apply their acquired skills to address challenges and contribute to the growth and development of their communities.
Mucyo particularly lauded the milestone achieved by the BTech graduates, noting that it signifies a seamless transition in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to the highest level, providing students with opportunities for higher qualifications and career progression.
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She further pointed out that as RP celebrates its 7th graduation, it reaffirms its dedication to empowering students and contributing to the nation’s development through practical expertise and innovative solutions.
Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente, the guest of honour, congratulated the graduates and emphasised the government’s proactive efforts to align education with labour market needs.
He underscored the importance of technical education in bridging the skills gap and promoting employability, urging continued support from both parents and the private sector.
Ngirente further called upon the private sector to continue facilitating students’ practical learning experiences in their chosen fields.
Claude Irankunda, an RP alumnus turned entrepreneur, shared his journey after graduation, highlighting the potential for success beyond academia. He encouraged fellow graduates to exhibit discipline and hard work in contributing to the country’s development.
Honorine Dukuzimana, representing the BTech graduates, expressed gratitude for the government’s visionary initiative in establishing RP and expanding its programmes to include BTech. She emphasised the transformative impact of RP’s investment in their lives and its contribution to national development.
"The BTech introduced in RP is a solution to a longstanding challenge faced by RP alumnus where the bachelor’s degree was the minimum requirement for application in recruiting during the hiring process, as well as promotion for the already hired personnel,” she said.
She said that as they embark on their professional journeys, equipped with knowledge and skills from RP, they will significantly contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
"Today’s graduation marks not only an academic milestone but also a testament to the transformative power of technical education,” Dukuzimana said.
Emmanuel Hakizimana, a parent, expressed pride in his children’s academic achievements and their prospects for employment, underscoring the value of technical studies in securing future opportunities.
The ceremony also recognised top achievers for outstanding projects within each college, highlighting RP’s commitment to excellence in technical education.