The University of Rwanda's graduation ceremonies ended yesterday with a call on fresh graduates to help improve public health in the country.
The University of Rwanda’s graduation ceremonies ended yesterday with a call on fresh graduates to help improve public health in the country.
The week-long graduation was concluded with the colleges of Arts and Social Sciences, and Medicine and Health Sciences.
A total of 823 graduated from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, while 474 graduated from the College of Arts and Social Sciences.
At the ceremony, 549 students from Byumba, Kibungo and Nyagatare Schools of Nursing and Midwifery who completed their studies in 2012-13 and 2013-14 academic years were finally awarded their diplomas.
Dr. Papias Musafiri, the Minister for Education, who presided over the graduation ceremony, congratulated the graduates on successfully completing their studies, and called on them to contribute to the country’s development.
"I hope that you are now equipped with the right knowledge and skills to contribute to our country’s development by serving society with dignity and heroism. Your sacrifice to serve society will be critical,” he said.
The University of Rwanda Chancellor, Mike E. O’Neal, told the graduates to think of their future, noting that learning was a continuous process.
"The question that should be asked at the end of the educational step is not what the student has learned, but what he has become,” he said.
The principals of both colleges congratulated the students on their academic achievements, urging them to be supportive to society.
"Today’s achievements should prepare you to face the next challenges with courage,” Dr. Usta Kaitesi, the principal of the College of Arts and Social Sciences said.
Naome Nayebare, who spoke on behalf of the graduates, said they were ready to face the challenges ahead.
"This is the right time to prove that we deserved this prestigious award. With these skills there is no insurmountable challenge,” added Valentine Nyirahabimana, another graduate from the College of Arts and Social Sciences.
The best performing graduates were rewarded various prizes, including smart phones, iPads and certificates of excellence.
Over 8,000 graduated from the six colleges of UR in the course of the week.
The ceremony was also marked by a farewell message to UR’s vice-chancellor, Prof. James McWha, whose tenure ends with the 2015 academic year.