KIGALI - The School of Finance and Banking (SFB) held its third graduation ceremony yesterday and awarded 335 degrees in different disciplines and levels.

Significantly, female students performed better than their male counterparts, where Charity Kagenza became the overall best student while other females became first in different disciplines.  

Graduands at the institution received Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and for the first time, Masters of Business Administration (MBA) which is offered jointly with Maastricht School of Management.

Others got certificates from the Glasgow’s Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) bringing the total number to 335.

In BBA, 292 students were awarded degrees in Accounting, Finance Marketing and Human Resource Management.

In MBA, 26 graduated in Finance, Banking and Project management while 17 people got certificates in ACCA.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Education who is also the chancellor of SFB commended the graduands for having been able to complete their courses and urged those who got the necessary qualifications for Masters Degree to take heed.

Gahakwa also challenged the Management of the institute to strive for transformation of the school to international standards, pledging government support in ensuring this.

"I challenge the management and the directors of SFB to make this school a competitive one not only in the country but also in the whole region and I am sure you can make it,” said the Minister.

Addressing the congregation, the rector of SFB Prof. Krishna Govender urged the graduands to work vigorously towards the country’s development. He also asked them to be ambassadors of the school.

"We are proud of you, but the achievement you have accomplished today should not be yours alone. You should be ambassadors of SFB out there by performing well in your respective jobs,” he remarked.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board Prof. Manasseh Nshuti called upon the government to put much emphasis on education, and most especially in business studies, if the country is to have growth in its economy.

Minister Gahakwa announced that Kagenza, who passed with a First Class Degree, BBA, would be awarded a presidential scholarship to further her studies.

Best performing students were also awarded Certificates of Excellence and various companies gave them gifts as a sign of appreciation for their hard work.

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