"Living in the ivory tower” has several definitions, but the closest is "a place or situation in which people make and discuss theories about problems (such as poverty and racism) without having any experience with those problems”.  

Most university students find themselves in that situation many times. They have fires burning in their bellies and the confidence that once they step out of school, they will feel they have the right tools to heal the world.

Not until they find the real world.

Today, over 8,500 students will graduate from the six colleges that make up the University of Rwanda. It will be the first time that the university holds a combined graduation ceremony.

There is a load of expectations among the graduands: the world is theirs to conquer, but they should be aware that not everything will come on a silver platter.

Gone are the days when a university degree was a first class ticket to gainful employment. The ivory tower will crumble once they set their feet on the streets.

But many will have learnt from the predecessors that the streets are not paved with gold. They will have had ample time to chart their journey outside college.

They should put their youthful energy to good use as time is on their side and a conducive environment for innovators is already in place, all it needs is their brains and sweat.

They should challenge themselves and no one else as all depends on the vigour and fervor they will put in making something out of their dreams. But dreaming is one thing, making them come true is another.

Only they have the keys to their success or failure.