WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU - Three hundred ninety eight students from the faculties of Management, rural development, law, sociology and administrative science on February 22 received their degrees at a ceremony to mark The Kigali Independent University ULK/Gisenyi’s third graduation since its creation in 2001.

Speaking at the ceremony, Education Minister Dr Daphrose Gahakwa who was also the guest of honour congratulated the graduates and described ULK as one of the institutions that have contributed immensely to the government policy of providing universal education.

"The National University of Rwanda since its creation 1963 up to 1994 had produced only 2500 graduates. It’s amazing however to see that ULK which was created recently in 1996 has produced over 8,000 students,” she said.

She added that the government’s plan was to work hand in hand with all institutions of higher learning, whether public or private, to ensure Rwandans access quality education that will help the country to bridge the gaps within its human resource constrains.

"In our recent retreat which took place here in Gisenyi, our theme was "Beyond aid”. We need to create a self sustainable country free from aid. That is why we need to invest in quality education and proper use of ICT”, she explained. She called on the new graduates to be at the forefront in the country’s drive to create a knowledge-based economy.

"Attaining your first degree is worth celebrating but it is not an end in itself. You should always be on the look out for opportunities to improve your skills. Learning is a continuous process. You should also be enthusiastic to go for further studies,” she said.

Dr. Rwigamba Balinda ULK’s  founder and president urged them to be exemplary and to play a leading role in educating the communities in which they live about the importance of various government policies such as good governance, Unity, promotion of justice for all, family planning, Mutuelle de santé, among other policies.

"You as intellectuals should be exemplary. You should be the light of the people in your respective communities. You should use the knowledge attained to shine and show your friends and families the way towards development,” he explained.

The Rector of ULK, Dr. Alphonse Ngagi Munyamfura, thanked the Government adding that ULK’s success is based on the current government’s supportive policies geared towards the promotion of education in the country.

He said that ULK would not be in existence if the government hadn’t worked hard to bring about peace and security in the country.

« Our goal is to re-build Rwanda by catering for competent human resources required for its development,” he said
398 graduated this year from ULK ; 228 males and 170 females.

Ends