Forty-five students from the 2023-24 cohort have successfully graduated with Master’s degrees in Mathematical Sciences, and Data Science, from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Rwanda.

The graduates; 18 females and 27 males, from 15 African nationalities, such as Cameroon, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Madagascar, and Nigeria, celebrated their achievement alongside their parents and guardians in the eighth graduation ceremony held at the AIMS premises in Remera on June 28 after 10 months of intensive studies.

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During the event, Theoneste Ndikubwimana, the Head of the Department of Academic Quality, Accreditation, Standards and Qualification Framework at Higher Education Council (HEC) Kigali, highlighted the role of HEC in supporting graduates to become future job creators not seekers, thus lowering the rate of unemployment among young people.

He said that one of HEC’s mandates is to bolster the quality of graduates that are credible and relevant to the labor market, through different activities, like accreditation of new programmes of the institution.

"We examine the accreditation to understand its significance in solving the labor market skills shortage. During the training of the graduates, we navigate together with the institutions to ensure the students acquire competencies, not only for the job market but also with the entrepreneurial skills that reinforce them to create jobs,” Ndikubwimana said.

He added that it is a journey with some gaps, but by collaborating with diverse institutes like AIMS Rwanda, he is highly confident that one day there will be more graduates who are job creators than job seekers in Rwanda.

Prof. Sam Yala, President of AIMS Rwanda Centre and AIMS Network President, said that the institute trains job creators, not job seekers, urging the graduates to create jobs using the skills attained in data science, artificial intelligence, computing, and others.

He stressed: "AIMS Rwanda’s alumni database indicates several companies started by our graduates and we would like to even have more. We can make a great impact by using science, mathematics, and technology to innovate and develop our country and continent.”

Prof. Yala noted that the world around us is evident that innovation has roots in mathematical sciences, highlighting the availability of tools that should be put to use. He pointed out China, as a good example of how the country managed to use science and technology to lead the economy today.

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"We have equipped the graduates with the skills and knowledge to develop solutions that will cross borders and change lives – they have been trained, supervised, and mentored by 46 lecturers and nine tutors from around the world.

"We strongly believe Africa&039;s youth represent the most valuable resource of this country and it is also our belief that if they are equipped with science and technology, including the necessary skills for entrepreneurship and leadership, they can deeply transform the nation,” Yala said.

Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje, a Rwandan mathematician and academician, said that technological advancement, intelligence, machine learning, and big data are shaping industries and societies globally – these changes continuously adapt, "acquire new skills, and take advantage of experience.”

Lyambabaje urged graduates to keep emulation, observation, active listening, and use of scientific experiments, and mostly continue learning.

He told graduates that excellence is a core value instilled in them, calling them to refuse to settle for mediocrity.

"Carry the commitments you embark on as you excel in your chosen fields. Remember to give back to our community and mentor the next generation by sharing knowledge and empowering others.”

Dr Leila Zahhafi, Head Tutor at AIMS Rwanda, highlighted that the graduates’ journey has been marked by countless hours of study, rigorous challenges, and a dedicated pursuit of knowledge.

Zahhafi said: "You have explored deeply into the complexities of mathematics and data science, exploring the beauty and power of these disciplines.

You have proven your capability not just in mastering theories and equations, but in applying them to solve real-world problems, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Your achievements are a reflection of your resilience, intellect, and passion. They are also a reflection of the dedication and support of your families, friends, and the Aims community.”

She added that together, they have created an environment where ideas can grow and each student is encouraged to reach their full potential and reminded them that the skills and knowledge they have acquired are not just tools for professional success, but also instruments for positive change.

"Mathematics and data science have the power to transform industries, solve critical issues, and improve lives. In your hands, these disciplines become even more potent. Use them to innovate, create, and make a difference in your communities and the world at large.

"As you step out into the world as AIMS Rwanda alumni, remember that you carry with you not just a degree or challenges, but also creativity,” Zahhafi said.

Eunisse Nzetchuen, a graduate of AIMS Rwanda, said that the journey has been sweet and sour, and some courses were hard, but the lecturers and tutors offered them all the required support.

"As we move forward, let us transform, inspire, and improve societies,” she urged colleagues.