KIGALI - It was all excitement as parents, guardians and relatives of the 324 diploma graduate and postgraduate students of Kigali Institute of Health (KHI) were, yesterday, conferred with their certificates and degrees during the 7th graduation ceremony.

The Minister of Education Dr. Charles Murigande, who is also the Chancellor of the institute, presided over the ceremony that saw 146 graduate with Advanced Diplomas while 176 graduated with Bachelors degrees.

Murigande congratulated the graduates and commended KHI for the "academic achievements” of increasing the number of health professionals in the country’s health sector.

"I also note with appreciation the contribution of parents and guardians who tirelessly supported you in making this possible,” Murigande said. 

"The Government is indeed proud to be part of your success and hope that you will be successful in your future undertakings and contribute to our nation’s growth and advancement, particularly in the field of healthcare delivery to Rwanda’s citizens”. 

He said that the government has plans to respond to health challenges affecting the lives of the people by sustaining the health sector through the provision of and continuous improvement of the health services and efficient health professionals.

Murigande said that the government is aware that the health of the people is the foundation for development.

"Rwanda’s economic growth will always depend on the welfare of its people. It is the reason why I urge today’s graduates to leave KHI determined to serve Rwandans and the world through compassionate service they are going to render from tomorrow onwards,” the Minister said. 

According to the Rector of KHI, Dr. Desire Ndushabandi, those who graduated were examined by external examiners from the region and beyond, mainly from South Africa, USA and Belgium, among others.

Diploma graduates majored in various disciplines; Mental Health, Midwifery, General Nursing, Medical Imaging Sciences, Ophthalmology and Anesthesia.

Of the 177 Bachelors degrees awarded, 36 graduated in Nursing, 41 in Physiotherapy, 36 in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, 15 in Dental Therapy and 49 graduated as Environmental Health Officers.

Ndushabandi said that the institute is planning to upgrade the courses to a higher level and also introduce new programs that will respond to the health needs of the country.

Among those, he said the instate is planning to introduce Advanced Diploma in Orthopedic Technology, Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Officers Community Health Development, Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition, Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences and a Masters Degree in Health Care Administration and Management.

Elias Niyituma from the Biomedical Laboratory Science emerged the best performing graduate student while Bernadine Magonyagi and Lucien Sakubu produced the best research paper while Elian Ingabire produced the best research project among the degree graduands.

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