HUYE - Local companies, mainly those involved in engineering have pledged to offer employment to fresh graduates from the National University of Rwanda (NUR) and other universities in the country.

Different managers of local companies made the pledge on Wednesday while addressing students at a public lecture led by the State Minister for Energy Dr.Albert Butare.

In his lecture the Minister noted that the meeting was meant to close the gap that previously existed between employers and potential employees who are mainly the university students.

"Sometimes we are discouraged because we offer jobs but later realise that many of you lack practical skills. You need to supplement what your lecturers give you,” said Andrew Rugege, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MTN-Rwanda. 

"We want the best of the best. I am sure you want to be part of a winning team and this requires hard work on your part,” stressed Patrick Kariningufu, the Chief Executive Officer for Rwandatel.

"Employers are interested in what you know and not the paper that you hold,” noted the Horizon Ltd CEO Col. John Zigira.

Companies pledged industrial attachment to students from their engineering departments for the purposes of improving their practical skills.

Dr. Herman Masahara, a lecturer at NUR and Director of the University Consultancy Bureau, said that such initiatives will help students plan for their careers.

"It is encouraging to realise that companies out there need our expertise, this gives us extra impetus to work hard,” said Innocent Bisangwa, a third year student in Electronics.

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