HUYE - The National University of Rwanda will graduate a total of 1,216 students during its next graduation ceremony slated for March 12, a university official has said.

Dr. Bonfils Safari, the Director of Quality Education, who is also the chairman of graduation organising committee, said in an interview with The New Times  that all is set for the graduation ceremony that will see the award of various Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

"Everything is set for this year’s graduation ceremony for students who successfully completed their studies in the 2009 academic year,” said Safari.

Four students who attained first class degrees will also be recognised for their achievement. These are from the fields of Civil Engineering, Electrical and Power Engineering and Biology, he disclosed.

According to Safari, for the first time, members of the academic staff who completed their PhD studies abroad through partnerships during the years 2007-2009 will also be recognised for their achievement.

"We have 36 members of the academic staff who attained PhDs through partnerships with various Universities in Germany, the USA, Sweden, Belgium and France. In the past these people returned but were never recognised for their achievement. We want to congratulate them on their accomplishment,” Safari said.

Another 10 members of staff who underwent training in Rwanda in partnership with York St Johns University, will also be recognised.

The National University of Rwanda has 116 PhD holders among its academic staff 13 being female. Over 100 more are pursuing PhD programmes in various countries.

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