As the University of Rwanda's graduation week draws to its climax, 1,277 undergraduate and 31 post-graduate students from the College of Business and Economics were yesterday awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates in several fields of study.
As the University of Rwanda’s graduation week draws to its climax, 1,277 undergraduate and 31 post-graduate students from the College of Business and Economics were yesterday awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates in several fields of study.
Obadiah Biraro, the Auditor General, who presided over the ceremony, urged the graduates to use their skills to help build the country’s economy.
"You are expected to be leaders in key sectors of the economy. Remember that Rwanda’s economy is facing challenges, so you must turn them into opportunities. Keep asking what you can do for your country, rather than waiting for what the country can do for you,” he said.
Prof. James Prof. James McWha, the University of Rwanda vice-chancellor, who described the graduates as future leaders, urged them to work as a team in order to succeed.
"You are the future of Rwanda; you are the best educated and you have the capability to become good leaders. I expect you to be future ministers, members of parliament, governors, researchers, and, perhaps, even future presidents. However, this cannot happen if you do not work together,” Prof. McWha said.
Murthy S. Kopparthi, the college principal, congratulated the graduates, urging them to stay focused on their dreams.
"Remember this journey did not start from here and it is not going to end today,” he said.
Butera Bellarmin Nimubona, the student’s representative who also featured among the best performers, urged his colleagues to make the most of their skills to boost the country’s development agenda.
"We are not supposed to be slaves of our past. Our country’s success is in our own hands and I urge you to sharpen your skills to serve our nation as we are expected to be the driving force of its economic growth. We cannot say the struggle has reached its peak. We do not regret the sacrifices we have made because they are the ones that enable us to be who we are,” said Butera.
"I am happy to have come this far, but this would never have happened without my parents’ and country’s support. I am going to use the skills I have acquired as tools to develop myself and my country,” said Francois Nsengimana, one of the graduates.
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