University of Rwanda Celebrates 9,526 Graduates at 11th Ceremony
At the University of Rwanda’s 11th graduation ceremony, held on Friday, October 17, 2025, a total of 9,526 graduates celebrated their academic achievements. The event saw 4,204 female graduates and 5,322 male graduates, representing various colleges across the university.
The graduates came from multiple disciplines, including:
- College of Education: 2,554 graduates
- College of Science and Technology: 1,688 graduates
- College of Arts and Social Sciences: 1,006 graduates
- College of Business and Economics: 2,005 graduates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences: 1,136 graduates
- College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine: 981 graduates
College of Arts and Social Sciences
According to UR’s statistics presented by Dr Alphonse Muleefu, Acting Principal of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), there were 968 undergraduate candidates (652 males and 316 females) and 38 postgraduate candidates (30 males and 8 females). The college includes several schools:
- School of Arts and Languages: 275 graduates from four programmes
- School of Governance, Development and Society: 552 graduates from 10 programmes
- School of Journalism and Communication: 43 graduates from two programmes
- School of Law: 98 graduates from one programme
College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
Dr Guillaume Nyagatare, Principal of the former College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), presented 1,092 graduates with Bachelor’s degrees from the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science (CAFF) and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (CIVAS). The restructuring in 2024 led to the formation of the new CAVM.
- College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science (CAFF): 942 undergraduates (498 males and 444 females) and 39 postgraduates (30 males and 9 females)
- College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM): 150 undergraduates (103 males) and six postgraduates (four males)
The college includes several schools:
- School of Agriculture and Food Science: 602 candidates from seven programmes
- School of Agricultural Engineering: 141 candidates from two programmes
- School of Forestry, Ecotourism and Landscape Management: 199 candidates from two programmes
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences: 64 candidates from one programme
- School of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology: 86 candidates from one programme
College of Business and Economics
Dr Joseph Nkurunziza, Principal of the College of Business and Economics (CBE), presented 1,860 graduates (948 males and 912 females) who obtained Bachelor’s degrees. The college also had 145 postgraduates (82 males and 63 females).
- School of Business: 1,223 graduates from nine programmes
- School of Economics: 637 graduates from six programmes
College of Education
Professor Dr Florien Nsanganwimana, Principal of the College of Education (CE), presented 2,432 undergraduates (1,289 males and 1,143 females). The college awarded Bachelor’s degrees in the School of Education to 2,085 graduates from 27 programmes.
- School of Inclusive and Special Needs Education: 297 graduates from four programmes
- School of Education: 52 candidates from 14 programmes
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professor Abraham Haileamlak Mitike, Principal of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), presented 906 undergraduates (577 males and 329 females) and 230 postgraduates (115 males and 115 females).
- School of Health Sciences: 190 graduates from six programmes
- School of Nursing and Midwifery: 174 graduates from two programmes
- School of Dentistry: 57 graduates from two programmes
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy: 212 graduates from three programmes
- School of Public Health: 35 graduates from two programmes
College of Science and Technology
Associate Professor Ignace Gatare, Principal of the College of Science and Technology (CST), presented 1,495 graduates (967 males and 528 females) who obtained Bachelor’s degrees, along with 193 postgraduates (150 males and 43 females).
- School of Engineering: 414 graduates from 16 programmes
- School of Science: 484 graduates from 12 programmes
- School of Architecture and the Built Environment: 220 graduates from 10 programmes
- School of Mining and Geology: 55 graduates from two programmes
- School of ICT: 322 graduates from six programmes
Celebrating Achievements
Graduates expressed their pride and gratitude for the opportunities provided by the university. Caleb Mitari, a graduate representative, highlighted the significance of the day as the culmination of years of hard work. He emphasized the importance of being ethical, creative, and patriotic citizens.
Clemence Niyitanga, a statistics graduate, praised the university for preparing students to be analytical problem solvers. Pauline Otambo, a pharmacist from Kenya, appreciated the support from the East African Community and the Government of Rwanda.
Lecturers’ Encouragement
Professor Theoneste Ntakirutimana, a lecturer representative, urged graduates to become agents of national transformation. He emphasized the role of the university in advancing Rwanda’s knowledge economy through research, innovation, and community engagement.
Leadership Reflections
University of Rwanda’s Vice Chancellor, Didas Kayihura Muganga, encouraged graduates to embrace continuous learning and use technology responsibly. He recognized the contributions of partners in establishing innovation hubs and career centers.
Chancellor Patricia L. Campbell congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to contribute to their communities and country. Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva commended the university’s leadership and reiterated the government’s support for higher education and innovation.
