INES-Ruhengeri: 827 new graduates joined the labor market

On Friday, 27^th of October 2023, the 15th graduation ceremony took place at INES-Ruhengeri, in Musanze District. On this occasion, 827 students including 20 international students were graduated in both programs: Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

Graduands in academic procession (photo/INES)

Recalling the theme of this ceremony “shifting from paper to product”, Bishop Vincent Harolimana, Chancellor and Legal Representative of INES-Ruhengeri said that INES is committed to ensuring quality education.

“As a University of Applied Sciences, INES-Ruhengeri is committed to embracing a quality education through internationalization, digitalization, the linkage between academia and industry, as well as community engagement”, Bishop Vincent Harolimana.

He went on requesting the graduates to keep on working hard in new life. “You should have a defined objective and you strive to accomplish it in your life. INES-Ruhengeri and its partners also are committed to support you”, Bishop Vincent Harolimana added. 

Various officials including the H.E Ambassador of Mali in Rwanda participated in the ceremony (photo/INES)

The representative of the Higher Education Council (HEC)to the ceremony, Dr. Theoneste Ndikubwimana appreciated the work done by INES-Ruhengeri and promised that they will keep helping in fine-tuning new programs of INES-Ruhengeri including the health sciences program.

Dr. Theoneste Ndikubwimana appreciated the work done by INES-Ruhengeri (photo/INES)

Addressing the graduates, the Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya encouraged them to start their projects.

“Please, do not fear to start. Use the training you received from INES-Ruhengeri to contribute to your community’s development challenges. Be job creators, not job seekers. When you look for a job, and an employer hires you, bring value to his or her industry. Believe me, you are excellent! Wherever you will be; show that you are excellent”, Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya.

INES’ efforts in linkage with industry are directed towards building a trustful relationship by delivering graduates with skills meeting the needs of the industry, communicating openly on issues, and conducting responsive research and outreach activities.

In this context, the best performer students were awarded by various Partners of INES-Ruhengeri including Bank of Kigali, Cogebank, WASAC, etc. 

Some awarded performers (photo/INES)

Ms. Akimana Latifa is among the best-awarded performers. She is thankful to the INES-Ruhengeri staff and Partners for encouraging the students. Her thanks also go to the entire INES’ Lecturers for offering quality education. Akimana added that she is ready to attract other students including international ones to join INES-Ruhengeri as requested by the Alumni Representative while he was delivering his speech.

Her colleague, Vedaste Nshimiyimana graduated with a Master’s, in Taxation program. He encouraged students to work hard as well as to maintain good behavior and discipline required by a catholic church Institute.

The Graduation Ceremony was started by a Holy Mass for glorifying and thanking the Almighty God for peace and INES’ achievements during the academic year 2022-2023.

 Bishop of Ruhengeri Diocese, Vincent Harolimana with Fathers after the Holy Mass (photo/INES)

Today, INES-Ruhengeri has 4515 students including about 450 international students from 17 countries, especially across Africa. INES’ Alumni counts about 10,993 graduates including the above-mentioned 827 graduates.

INES-Ruhengeri opened its doors on the 17th of November 2003. The celebration of its 20th Anniversary is scheduled to take place on the 7th of December 2023