University graduates in the country have been urged to put into practice the acquired knowledge and skills to create their own jobs.

This was the message delivered at the fourth graduation ceremony of the University of Tourism, Technology and Business studies (UTB), formerly Rwanda Tourism University College, in Kigali yesterday.

At least 454 graduated with degrees and certificates in different disciplines.

The graduands were from the faculties of Capacity Building in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Travel and Tourism Management and Business Information Technology and Vocational Training programme.

Dr Wim Kouwenhoven, the chancellor of UTB, noted that the service sector in Rwanda has made strides but needs further improvement.

"You are the ones to improve it,” he told the graduates.

Innocent Mugisha, the executive director of the Higher Education Council who represented the Ministry of Education, urged the graduates to work hard to prove they deserved their qualifications.

"Knowledge is dynamic, don’t rely on what you know now, rather strive to know more. You will be able to overcome the challenge of competition in the labour market,” he said.

Zulfat Mukarubega, the founder and legal representative of UTB, congratulated the graduands upon their achievement, and attributed the success of UTB to good national leadership.

"Our leaders have urged us to strive for self-reliance. That’s how UTB started, grew and thrived. With the same leadership, UTB will certainly achieve more,” she noted.

She commended government’s efforts to empower women which she said helped them overcome fear and tap into opportunities in male-dominated areas.

She said UTB offered a perfect case study, with vocational training programmes dominated by girls.

Three of the seven best graduates were girls.

Isaac Mugabe, who graduated in vocational training programme, said yesterday’s achievement was the first step to a bright future.

He added that he was not afraid of unemployment because they learnt to create own jobs.

The best performers were awarded with laptops, scholarships among other rewards.

Elie Niyitegeka, who emerged the best in the department of hotel and restaurant management, said his success was due to his thirst for knowledge and respect for knowledge providers.

UTB was accredited for full university status in October last year.

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