President Paul Kagame has said that the 20 year partnership between Rwanda and Oklahoma Christian University has delivered significant benefits to the country, producing graduates who have contributed effectively in both public and private institutions while also helping position Rwanda as a growing hub for innovation and education.
He made the remarks on May 23, 2026, during celebrations marking two decades of cooperation between Rwanda and the university. The event followed the graduation ceremony of 40 students who completed their studies at the university’s Rwanda campus earlier that morning.
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Graduates Contributing to National Development
President Kagame congratulated the graduates and assured them that Rwanda would continue to support them whenever needed.
He also praised the impact graduates of Oklahoma Christian University have had in both government and private sector institutions, saying their contributions reflect the value of investing in quality education.
Recognizing the Founders of the Partnership
President Kagame expressed gratitude to Dr. Mike O’Neal and his wife, Nancy O’Neal, for the key role they played in establishing and strengthening the partnership.
According to President Kagame, the relationship began in 2004 when Dr. O’Neal visited Rwanda. At the time, he said, few could have imagined that discussions around Rwanda’s education vision would grow into such a long-lasting and impactful collaboration.
“It didn’t take long for us to see results,” Kagame said. “In 2006, the first 10 Rwandan students went to Oklahoma Christian University through Presidential Scholarships. Twenty years later, there are more than 700 graduates who have contributed to leadership in government and the private sector.”
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Rwanda Emerging as a Regional Innovation and Education Hub
President Kagame noted that the partnership has contributed to Rwanda becoming home to international universities, in line with the country’s broader development ambitions.
He said: “One of the great achievements of this partnership is that Rwanda is now home to many international universities,” This is aligned with our vision of becoming a regional hub for innovation and knowledge. These institutions are not only educating Rwandans, but students from across Africa.”
Developing Talent for Sustainable Growth
President Kagame emphasized the importance of investing in Africa’s youth and developing their talents to compete globally.
“Africa has immense talent,” he said. “What is important is taking action to equip young people with the skills needed to compete internationally. That is how we will achieve sustainable economic development.”
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A Legacy of Achievement and Future Cooperation
President Kagame described the 20 year milestone as an important chapter in the relationship between Rwanda and Oklahoma Christian University, expressing confidence that cooperation would continue to grow in the years ahead. “Twenty years is a major milestone,” he said. “Let us continue writing history together on this journey.”
Since the partnership began, the university has trained and placed 784 graduates into the job market in fields including accounting, business administration, project management, and governance.
President Kagame noted that the success of students who studied under the Presidential Scholarship program encouraged many other international universities to expand partnerships with Rwanda.
Oklahoma Christian University officially opened its Rwanda campus in 2012 following an idea proposed by President Kagame, building on the strong relationship established over the years.
The university offers internationally recognized degrees, with programs taught in Rwanda following the same curriculum as those offered at its main campus in the United States.
