Over 9,500 Graduates Celebrate Academic Achievements
At the University of Rwanda’s 11th graduation ceremony, a total of 9,526 graduates celebrated their academic achievements on Friday, October 17, 2025. This cohort comprised 4,204 females and 5,322 males, representing a significant milestone in the university’s history.
The graduates hailed from various colleges within the University of Rwanda, showcasing a diverse range of academic disciplines. Notably, the College of Education contributed 2,554 graduates, while the College of Science and Technology had 1,688 graduates. Other colleges included the College of Arts and Social Sciences with 1,006 graduates, the College of Business and Economics with 2,005 graduates, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences with 1,136 graduates, and the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine with 981 graduates.
Highlights from the Colleges
College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS)
According to UR’s statistics presented by Dr. Alphonse Muleefu, Acting Principal of CASS, the college saw 968 undergraduates (652 males and 316 females) and 38 postgraduates (30 males and 8 females) graduate. The School of Arts and Languages produced 275 graduates, while the School of Governance, Development and Society had 552 graduates across ten programmes.
In addition, the School of Journalism and Communication graduated 43 candidates, and the School of Law had 98 candidates complete their studies.
Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Colleges
Dr. Guillaume Nyagatare, Principal of the former College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, reported that 1,092 graduates received Bachelor’s degrees from the newly structured College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. This college produced 942 undergraduates and 39 postgraduates from the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science, while the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences graduated 150 undergraduates and six postgraduates.
College of Business and Economics (CBE)
Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza, Principal of CBE, announced that the college graduated 1,860 students (948 males and 912 females) with Bachelor’s degrees. The School of Business accounted for 1,223 graduates, while the School of Economics had 637 graduates. Additionally, the college awarded 145 postgraduate degrees this year.
College of Education (CE)
Professor Dr. Florien Nsanganwimana, Principal of CE, presented 2,432 undergraduates (1,289 males and 1,143 females) to the Chancellor. The School of Education awarded Bachelor’s degrees to 2,085 graduates from 27 programmes, alongside 122 postgraduates.
College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS)
Professor Abraham Haileamlak Mitike, Principal of CMHS, reported 906 undergraduates (577 males and 329 females) and 230 postgraduates (115 males and 115 females). The college’s various schools, including Nursing and Midwifery, Health Sciences, and Medicine, contributed to the graduation totals.
College of Science and Technology (CST)
Associate Professor Ignace Gatare, Principal of CST, announced that 1,495 graduates (967 males and 528 females) received Bachelor’s degrees, with an additional 193 postgraduates. The School of Engineering and the School of ICT were among the top contributors to the graduation numbers.
Celebrating Achievements
During the ceremony, graduates expressed their gratitude and aspirations for the future. Caleb Mitari, a representative of the graduates, emphasized the significance of the day, stating, “This day is not just a ceremony — it marks the peak of a long journey.” He highlighted the commitment of graduates to contribute positively to their communities.
Pauline Otambo, a graduate from Kenya, shared her appreciation for the supportive environment provided by the Government of Rwanda and the East African Community, which facilitated her studies in Health Supply Chain Management.
University leadership also reflected on the importance of continuous learning and innovation. Vice Chancellor Didas Kayihura Muganga encouraged graduates to embrace technology responsibly and to be agents of positive change.
Chancellor Patricia L. Campbell congratulated the graduates, celebrating their resilience and the community spirit that characterized their academic journey.
As the University of Rwanda continues to evolve, it remains committed to aligning its academic offerings with national development goals, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
Key Points
- 9,526 graduates celebrated their achievements at the University of Rwanda's 2025 graduation ceremony.
- The ceremony included graduates from various colleges, with the College of Education having the highest number of graduates.
- Graduates expressed gratitude and commitment to contributing positively to their communities.
- University leadership emphasized the importance of continuous learning and innovation.
- The event highlighted the university's alignment with national development goals.
Sources: Inside University of Rwanda's 2025 graduation ceremony