A new generation of professionals is emerging from the Institute of Applied Sciences (INES-Ruhengeri), where 1,729 graduates completed their studies, including the first cohorts from its Master of Science programmes in Food Science and Technology and Geo-Informatics.

The degrees were awarded during the institution’s 18th graduation ceremony, held at its main campus in Musanze District on Friday, October 30. The graduates comprised 1,634 undergraduates, including 836 males and 798 females, and 95 postgraduates, comprising 64 males and 31 females.

They completed programmes across 20 departments, including Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, Land Administration and Management, Statistics Applied to Economy, Education and Law.

ALSO READ: INES-Ruhengeri unveils new Health Science programme to bolster healthcare workforce

University highlights growth in enrolment

In his opening remarks, Dr Jean-Bosco Baribeshya, Vice Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, congratulated the graduates and their parents, acknowledging the sacrifices made throughout their academic journeys and expressing confidence in the graduates’ ability to contribute to their communities.

"Parents, you travelled a long distance to be here. Throughout this journey, you made many sacrifices. I assure you that your sons and daughters graduating today are capable. To the graduates, we trust that you will go out there and create solutions for your communities,” he said.

Baribeshya also highlighted the institution’s growth since its first graduation ceremony in 2010, when 337 students graduated.

The university currently has more than 8,337 students enrolled in different programmes, including 1,670 international students from 25 countries.

He attributed the growing enrolment to increased recognition of the importance of higher education, saying the institution seeks to contribute to Rwanda’s development by equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to drive transformation.

"From this rapid growth in the number of students eager to learn, we have realised that our citizens understand that higher education is essential. With the country’s development and growing literacy levels, we also want to be part of that journey by helping young people reach the point where they can drive development,” he said.

ALSO READ: Intercultural Day turns INES-Ruhengeri into a vibrant showcase of African unity in diversity

Graduates urged to uphold professionalism and discipline

Chancellor Bishop Vincent Harolimana urged graduates to uphold the values acquired during their time at the institution as they embark on their professional journeys.

"Graduates, you were trained to be tough, so use that knowledge and let it be accompanied by dignity, professionalism and humanity wherever you go to contribute to our country’s development. To the parents, this is not the end of your support. Continue encouraging and pushing them forward,” he said.

He also challenged university staff to view the institution’s growing enrolment as motivation to pursue even greater achievements in education.

"We have reached a milestone, but this is not the end. Rather, it should put us under pressure to ensure that our university continues striving for higher standards in education,” he added.

Sylvie Uzayisenga, who represented the graduates, thanked parents, lecturers and the university administration for supporting them throughout their academic journeys.

"You believed in us even though the road was tough. Today, we are taking another step towards making you proud. We have survived examinations, deadlines and different challenges. Today, we stand together, ready to take on the responsibility of contributing to our country’s development. We assure you that we will do so,” she said.

Uzayisenga urged fellow graduates to uphold discipline and use the opportunities available to them responsibly, particularly those offered by technology.

"Know that such responsibilities come with discipline. Avoid abusing drugs and instead take advantage of the opportunities available to you, including technology, to reach the heights we are expected to achieve,” she said.