INES Ruhengeri University has urged the 1,729 students who completed their studies in the 2025–2026 academic year to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to improve their families’ livelihoods and contribute to the development of their countries. The university also called on them to uphold professionalism, discipline and good conduct in their careers.
The message was delivered by His Lordship Vincent Harolimana, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ruhengeri and Chancellor of INES Ruhengeri, on October 30, 2026, during the university’s 18th graduation ceremony.
A total of 1,729 students received their degrees, including 1,634 graduates who completed undergraduate programmes and 95 who completed postgraduate studies in various fields.
In his address, Bishop Harolimana urged the graduates not to regard their degrees as the end of their academic journey, but rather as the beginning of their contribution to the development of their families and countries.
“Now that you have graduated, go out and compete in the job market. Strive to build your countries by improving the livelihoods of your families. In every job and responsibility entrusted to you, demonstrate the professionalism you have acquired through your training. Always uphold discipline and good conduct,” he said.
He emphasised that professionalism should go hand in hand with values such as integrity, humanity and ethical behaviour to ensure that graduates become responsible individuals who make a positive contribution wherever they work.
Bishop Harolimana noted that graduating 1,729 students was a historic achievement for INES Ruhengeri, reflecting the institution’s progress and the growing confidence placed in it by students.
“At INES Ruhengeri University, we are delighted to award degrees to 1,729 students across different academic levels and programmes during our 18th graduation ceremony. We are proud of both the number and quality of students graduating this year. This is the first time in the history of INES Ruhengeri that we have reached such a number,” he said.
He thanked the Government of Rwanda for its contribution to promoting quality education. He also recognised the university’s management, lecturers, parents and sponsors for their role in supporting the graduates throughout their academic journey.
He further called on parents and sponsors to continue supporting the graduates as they embark on a new journey into the job market and work towards achieving their ambitions.
INES Ruhengeri is a higher learning institution established by the Catholic Diocese of Ruhengeri.
At the conclusion of the graduation ceremony, outstanding students in various academic categories were recognised and awarded prizes provided by the university’s partners.
