A total of 1,654 students, Class of 2024, graduated from University of Kigali during its 9th graduation ceremony held at Intare Conference Arena in Kigali on August 8.

The event was attended by students, parents, guardians, representatives of affiliated institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, and various dignitaries, with Yusuf Murangwa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, serving as the chief guest.

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The graduating cohort comprised 525 Master’s degree recipients, 38 postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) recipients, and Bachelor’s degree holders from the following academic schools: 593 from the School of Business Management and Economics, 360 from the School of Computing and IT, 141 from the School of Law, and 37 from the School of Education.

Among the total graduates, 848 are female and 808 are male.

This balanced representation represents the ongoing efforts to promote gender equity and create an inclusive academic space where all students can thrive, according to the institution that got its accreditation in 2013.

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"You have worked tirelessly to earn your qualifications, demonstrating the perseverance and resilience needed to face the future. Throughout your studies, you have shown dedication in learning, gaining knowledge, and applying it effectively,” noted Philibert Afrika, Chairman, Governing Body Member, Board of Promoters.

"I am truly proud of your achievement and confident that as you leave the University of Kigali, you will become proud ambassadors and problem-solvers for your families, communities, countries, and the world,” he said.

Afrika told graduates that they&039;ve already stepped into a world full of boundless opportunities and challenges; however, as they navigate this journey, they’ll need even more knowledge and skills to leave a lasting impact.

"As you embark on your careers, remember that you are equipped to help build 'The Overcomer: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities', for yourselves and for those around you,” he added.

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Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, told the cohort, "Graduation is far more than a ceremonial event, but a defining moment in your lives.”

"This is why the theme for today’s celebration, The Overcomer: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities, is so meaningful. It perfectly captures not only what you’ve accomplished to get here but also the mindset you will need to thrive in the years to come. You turned uncertainty into insight, hardship into strength, and setbacks into comebacks. That is what overcomers do,” he noted.

He told the graduates that the world you are stepping into is full of complexity, but also full of opportunity. Climate change, inequality, technological disruption, economic volatility, these are among the many challenges that define our era.

"Every challenge is a door waiting to be opened by someone like you, an overcomer. Whatever path you choose, pursue it with passion and integrity. Build networks. Learn continuously. Listen deeply. And never underestimate the influence you can have, no matter where you begin,” he said.

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Manasseh Nshuti, Chairman, Board of Promoters, said that the university which began with just 35 students, has experienced growth with over 8,000 students across Kigali and Musanze campuses.

"This phenomenal transformation didn’t happen by chance. It is the result of a well-thought-out strategy, collaborative efforts, and a strong commitment to our core mission — delivering quality, relevant, and future-oriented education,” he noted.

Nshuti explained that the university's motto, Labour for the Future, outlines the spirit of forward-thinking resilience. It speaks to the necessity of preparation, the dignity of hard work, and the importance of sustained vision.

"Graduates, you are the overcomers. You are no longer students, you are now the standard bearers of a new era. You are equipped not only with knowledge, but with the emotional intelligence, leadership potential, and ethical grounding to shape the future, starting with your own lives, and extending to your families, your communities, your nations, and beyond,” he said.

"Thank you for choosing the University of Kigali as your academic home and for allowing us to walk this journey with you,” noted Carlos Fernando Sotz, Chancellor, University of Kigali.

The Chancellor stressed that over the past few years, the world faced extraordinary disruptions, and higher education wasn't spared. Yet, in the face of hardship, the University of Kigali has pressed on with boldness and vision.

"For the past 13 years, we have stayed true to our mission of delivering quality education that transcends borders. Our academic model is one that champions both local relevance and global competitiveness, and we are proud of the partnerships, programmes, and innovations that continue to define us as a university open to the world,” he said.

"Graduates, go forward with confidence, lead with courage, and never forget that you are the overcomers. The future does not happen to you, you create it,” he added.

George Kimathi, Vice Chancellor, University of Kigali, said that the university is keenly aware that challenges persist in the job market, particularly around youth unemployment. However, UoK graduates are not passive job seekers, but creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.

"You leave here with competencies that transcend borders and industries, ready to capitalise on opportunity and even create it where it does not yet exist,” he said.

University of Kigali offers academic programming through six schools, including: The Graduate School, School of Business Management and Economics, School of Computing and Information Technology, School of Law, School of Education and School of Executive and Professional Programmes.

Regarding the inclusive excellence, the University also celebrates the impactful work of the School of Professional and Executive Programmes, in collaboration with the Centre for Economic Governance and Leadership (CEGL) and Enterprise Business Solutions (EBS), which serves as the university’s hub for Executive Education, Consulting, and Advisory services.

The University is now ranked among the top five universities in Rwanda, distinguished by the caliber of its academic staff.