KIGALI, RWANDA – 29 October 2026 – The East African University Rwanda (EAUR) has celebrated 779 graduands at its Seventh Graduation Ceremony, marking another milestone in the university’s commitment to providing relevant higher education, developing professional competencies and preparing graduates to contribute to Rwanda’s development and the wider African region.
Held at Intare Arena Conference Centre in Kigali under the theme “Inspired by Knowledge and Character, Ready to Lead Change,” the ceremony brought together university leadership, government representatives, parents, guardians, academic staff, partners, invited guests and graduates to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.
The graduating class comprised 439 women and 340 men, including 778 bachelor’s degree graduates and one diploma recipient. The graduates represented seven African countries: Rwanda, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, reflecting EAUR’s growing role as a regional centre for higher education and academic exchange.
Beyond celebrating academic achievements, the ceremony highlighted the importance of combining knowledge with integrity, practical skills, innovation and a commitment to addressing societal challenges.
Five Academic Schools Celebrate the Class of 2026
The 779 graduands represented five academic schools, demonstrating the diversity of academic programmes offered by East African University Rwanda.
The School of Business Administration and Management Studies produced the largest number of graduates, with 457, followed by the School of Education with 124, the School of Filmmaking and Film Production with 98, the School of Mass Communication with 78, and the School of Industrial Art and Design with 22.
The graduates completed programmes in a range of disciplines, including:
- School of Education: History and Geography, Mathematics and Physics, and Mathematics and Computer Science.
- School of Mass Communication: Mass Communication.
- School of Filmmaking and Film Production: Filmmaking and Film Production.
- School of Industrial Art and Design: Industrial and Fine Arts.
- School of Business Administration and Management Studies: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Procurement, Economics, Accounting, and Leisure, Tourism and Hotel Management.
Among the programmes, Leisure, Tourism and Hotel Management recorded the highest number of graduates, with 287.
The range of academic disciplines reflects the university’s commitment to developing human resources across education, business, communication, creative industries and other sectors that contribute to national and regional development.
University Leadership Calls for Knowledge to Be Put into Practice
Addressing the graduating class, EAUR Vice-Chancellor, Professor Callixte Kabera, challenged graduates to translate the knowledge and competencies acquired during their studies into practical solutions that respond to the needs of society.
He encouraged them to approach their professional journeys with initiative and determination, whether through employment, entrepreneurship, business development or community-based initiatives.
Professor Kabera emphasised that education should equip graduates not only with academic qualifications but also with confidence, practical competencies and ability to identify opportunities in their surroundings.
He highlighted the university’s commitment to strengthening the quality and relevance of its academic programmes through practical training, internships, research, innovation, institutional partnerships and the integration of technology into teaching and learning.
He also noted the importance of exposing students to professional environments before graduation, enabling them to develop workplace confidence and understand the expectations of potential employers.
Encouraging graduates to take responsibility for their future, he urged them to become proactive in creating opportunities and contributing to the well-being of their communities.
Chancellor Emphasizes the Importance of Character and Initiative
EAUR Chancellor, Professor Mondo Kagonyera, reminded graduates that academic qualifications must be accompanied by courage, initiative, integrity and a willingness to contribute to society.
He challenged them to look beyond traditional employment pathways and recognise the opportunities available to create businesses and generate employment.
“One of the challenges we have in Africa, and I think other parts of the world, is unemployment. Therefore, we must train our people to be able to create jobs rather than to be job seekers,” he said.
Professor Kagonyera further highlighted the importance of practical education in preparing young people to address emerging challenges, including climate change, food insecurity and technological advancement.
He particularly emphasized the growing influence of artificial intelligence, encouraging African countries to invest in knowledge and skills that enable them to develop solutions and remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.
His message reinforced the graduation theme, underscoring the importance of combining academic knowledge with responsible leadership and good character.
Board Chair Encourages Graduates to Create Opportunities Within Their Communities
The Chairman of EAUR’s Board of Governors, James Ndahiro, encouraged graduates to identify opportunities within their communities and apply their academic knowledge to address local challenges.
He reminded them that opportunities are not limited to established organisations or large companies, noting that many challenges within communities can become opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment creation.
He also emphasized the importance of continuous learning, research and professional development, encouraging graduates to remain curious and adaptable as they enter an increasingly competitive professional environment.
His message called on graduates to use their education as a foundation for identifying solutions that create value for themselves and society.
Guest of Honour Highlights the Responsibility That Comes with Education
The Guest of Honour, Silas Lwakabamba, congratulated the Class of 2026 on reaching this important academic milestone, recognizing the perseverance, commitment and collective support that contributed to their success.
He acknowledged the important role played by parents, guardians, families and friends in supporting students throughout their academic journeys.
He also emphasized that academic achievement should be accompanied by integrity, good character and responsible decision-making.
He encouraged graduates to approach their next chapter with confidence, apply their knowledge ethically and recognize that completing university education brings a greater responsibility to society.
His remarks reinforced the importance of producing graduates who are not only academically qualified but also committed to making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Graduating Class Representative Recognizes Resilience and Collective Support
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Mass Communication graduate Maureen Umwiza expressed appreciation to EAUR, parents, guardians, scholarship providers, partner organizations and individuals who supported students throughout their academic journeys.
She particularly acknowledged the role of scholarships in enabling students to face financial barriers to access higher education, pursue their ambitions and complete their studies.
Reflecting on the university experience, she recognized the challenges students encountered, including demanding assignments, research, sleepless nights and balancing academic responsibilities with family and personal commitments.
She noted that the achievement of the Class of 2026 represented not only individual determination but also the sacrifices and encouragement of those who supported them.
“Today we celebrate not only our success but also your love, your sacrifices and commitment to our future,” she said.
She encouraged fellow graduates to remain proud of their achievements, continue learning and use their education to make meaningful contributions to society.
Strengthening Digital Skills and Professional Competencies
In addition to their academic qualifications, all 779 graduates received the International Computer Driving License (ICDL), demonstrating their proficiency in essential computer applications and digital skills.
The additional certification reflects EAUR’s emphasis on equipping graduates with competencies that complement their academic training and prepare them for increasingly technology-driven workplaces.
Recognizing the importance of digital literacy across different professional sectors, the university continues to emphasize the integration of technology and practical competencies into the learning experience.
Expanding Access to Education Through Scholarships and Partnerships
EAUR continues to promote access to higher education through scholarship opportunities for students with academic potential who face financial challenges.
During the ceremony, Professor Kabera highlighted the university’s scholarship support, noting that between 500 and 800 students receive scholarships annually.
The university also works with partner institutions and organizations to provide students with internship opportunities, professional exposure and pathways towards employment.
Through its collaboration with the Rwanda TVET Board and other partners, EAUR has also contributed to skills development and the recognition of practical competencies through Recognition of Prior Learning initiatives.
These efforts demonstrate the university’s commitment to connecting academic learning with practical experience, supporting lifelong learning and responding to the evolving needs of the labour market.
Building an Inclusive and Connected African Academic Community
The participation of graduates from Rwanda, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda highlighted the university’s regional character and contribution to academic exchange.
The presence of students from different African countries creates opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and the sharing of experiences across different backgrounds.
EAUR recognizes the importance of providing an inclusive academic environment in which students develop not only professional competencies but also an appreciation of diversity and regional cooperation.
Preparing Graduates to Lead Positive Change
The Seventh Graduation Ceremony marked another important milestone in the growth of East African University Rwanda and its contribution to higher education and skills development.
The messages delivered throughout the ceremony reflected a shared vision of education that goes beyond academic qualifications to embrace integrity, innovation, initiative and responsible leadership.
As the Class of 2026 embarks on new professional and personal journeys, EAUR remains committed to strengthening academic quality, expanding practical learning opportunities, promoting research and innovation, and building partnerships that contribute to the development of competent graduates.
The university believes that the true value of education is reflected in how graduates apply their knowledge, uphold ethical values, identify opportunities and contribute to the well-being of society.
For the 779 graduands, graduation marks both the celebration of an important achievement and the beginning of a new responsibility: to put knowledge into practice, demonstrate good character and lead positive change in Rwanda, across Africa and beyond.
East African University Rwanda congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes all graduates success in their future endeavors.
Inspired by Knowledge and Character, Ready to Lead Change.
