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In a colorful event held this September 15th, 2022 at its campus of Nyanza, the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) celebrated its 25th anniversary. Being driven by the spirit of having their own school where their children could still grow in their faith, and being lead by the zeal of bringing their contribution to the rebirth of Rwanda after the genocide against Tutsi in 1994; Adventist parents sat together and resolutely decided to start their own institution of higher learning. “In this celebration which is the acclamation of a past rich in glory, it is towards, these founders, that our eyes must first turn. It was a difficult mission to which they were invited twenty-five years ago. To seal the restoration of Faith in Science, great intelligence and great hearts were needed. Closing our eyes to risks and obstacles, they have realized their purpose in all its fullness;” said Professor Jean Ngamije, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAK in his allocution. My profound thanks go to the Rwandan government and other important players who have contributed to our success over the last 25 years via their ongoing support and collaboration; we shall keep relying on this partnership. Added Professor Ngamije. The University of Lay Adventists of Kigali; an eminently national work, dear to all Rwandans and international community was founded by the esteemed Rwandan Lay Adventists parents; members of the Federation of Adventist Parents Associations for the Development of Education in Rwanda (FAPADER) which is an association of several lay Seventh day Adventist primary and secondary school that include: APACE, APADE, APAG, APADENYA, APAER, APARPE, APARUDE, ASPEJ, UMWUNGERI, and APADEM. God blessed us and enabled us to realize what we have been dreaming for. We are grateful for the good leadership of our country which gives us a good working environment and grant us many facilities as well as advices through its Ministry of Education and especially the Higher Education Council. May our God protect the country and its leaders, May God bless UNILAK and all its endeavors; said Pr. Ruhaya Ntwali Assiel; the UNILAK legal representative. His words were echoed by the delegate from the Ministry of Education; Engineer Pascal Gatabazi who hailed the university for a such milestone and for its contribution in education and also for the good values it instills in its students. He congratulated the founders of the schools and the progress made by the university since its creation. Created in 1997; UNILAK was fully accredited by the government of Rwanda through the Ministerial Order NO 002/09 of 09/04/2009. It has expanded its activities from Kigali City to Nyanza District in Southern Province and Rwamagana District in Eastern Province. “Seeing UNILAK at this silver jubilee is bliss for me. It is a blessing to have someone who fits in your shoes” I highly congratulate those who managed to continue what we have started for all they have done and for all they will continue to do as the university grow even further;” said Pastor MPYISI Ezra; one of the founders of UNILAK. The Governor of the Southern Province, Mrs KAYITESI Alice, in her speech has congratulated UNILAK for its contribution in the social economic development of its neighboring community and has promised all the support and collaboration to the institution. UNILAK; a hub of knowledge and wisdom has successfully initiated different programs and brought its contribution in scientific researches especially in cooperative management and development, environment management and natural resources protection as well as disaster and emergency management from 1997-2022 and this was in line with its mission of being a leading university in Africa and bringing its support to the development of the country. UNILAK gains huge reputation from the local, National and International level by the expansions of its social development activities and network. UNILAK sealed various agreements of partnership with different national, private and international institutions and organizations and from these partnerships; a Joint (by Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography- XIEG, a branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and UNILAK) Research Center for Natural Resources and Environment in East Africa was inaugurated in November 2016 and was therefore upgraded from national level to a regional level as part of SAJOREC (Sino-Africa Joint Research Center). UNILAK currently has four faculties which offer courses at both undergraduate and master’s level namely in the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, Faculty of Environmental Studies and Faculty of Computing and Information Sciences; and has enrolled more than 30.000 national and international students since its creation. Around 25.000 of those students have obtained their degrees during the 16 graduations ceremonies held by UNILAK since 2009 to this time. From 2019, UNILAK started welcoming a big number of international students from various countries of Africa. Today, more than 250 students from 18 countries of Africa have enrolled with UNILAK.

This July 21st, 2022; the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali saw its 16th academic graduation ceremony where 1012 graduates were decorated. Among those graduates 889 got their bachelor’s degrees while 123 got their master’s degrees. 80% of all the graduates were females. The short course of CISCO also saw its 17 finalists who got their certificates of completion. In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAK, Professor Jean NGAMIJE congratulated the graduates for their well deserved achievements and encouraged them to be innovative and make impact in the society. The graduates have completed their master’s and undergraduate levels in the faculties of Economic Sciences and Management, Law, Environmental studies, Computing and Information Sciences. The ceremony brought together all the graduates from the UNILAK campuses of Kigali, Nyanza and Rwamagana.

The University Of Lay Adventists Of Kigali in partnership with Rwamagana district initiated a two years research project entitled “soil and water baseline analysis and end line survey for sustainable agricultural in Nyirabidibiri wetland, Rwamagana District” The project aimed at analyzing the soil and water statuses in Nyirabidibiri wetland located in between three sectors of Nzige, Mwurire and Rubona of Rwamagana district. As part of the project; UNILAK and Rwamagana District held a symposium on Wednesday June 29th, 2022 in Rwamagana District to disseminate the research findings related to the status of soil and water quality in the study area. Hundreds of scientists, engineers, research scholars, professors and policy makers from various areas of soil science were gathered at the symposium. “We did a research with a purpose to know the soil nutrients available and what is missing for the sustainable growth of plants. Farmers in this wetland will benefit from this research as these research findings will be disseminated to them and they will start using fertilizers recommended by this research, avoid unplanned land cover change to improve their crop production;”; said Dr. Mupenzi, the research director at UNILAK. On the side of Rwamagana District, these research findings will help them taking their agricultural activities to a new edge. “We believe that the information from this research will help our farmers to plan for the land cover and therefore improve their crop production; we need them to move from subsidiary agriculture to an industrial one;” attest Mayor of Rwamagana, Mr Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi. Theoneste  Turatsinze, one of the farmers of Nyirabidibiri Wetland was thankful to UNILAK and Rwamagana District for this joint collaboration in research from which he expects growth in his agricultural activities. “We expect growth in our agricultural activities as we are going to start planning for land cover according to the research findings and we hope to grow financially and in food security; said Turatsinze, a farmer in Nyirabidibiri wetland.

The Senior management and International Students from all campuses of the University of Lay Adventists of  Kigali visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where they paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi laid there. The ceremony which took place recently on 11th April 2022 brought together all international students studying at UNILAK. Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics and Research at UNILAK said that the university organized this visit to honour Genocide victims and as a learning opportunity for those international students to learn the history of the genocide against Tutsi which took place in 1994. “Most of these international students joined our university during the COVID 19 pandemic and didn’t get the occasion to visit the genocide memorial site to learn about history of Genocide; they were confused and full of curiosity to know the real version of the history to be able to prevent its reoccurrence in elsewhere in Africa and around the world;” said Dr. Emmanuel. Some of these international students revealed that the visit of Kigali Genocide Memorial Site was of great importance to them. They learnt a lot about history of Genocide against Tutsi and are committed to prevent it and strive for unity. “Visiting Kigali Genocide Memorial was much needed as it holds great history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. I learnt a lot about history of Genocide against Tutsi and I am saying No to its reoccurrence” said Isaac K. Dadzie, an international student from Liberia, West Africa. “It is an important lesson, 28 years after Rwanda overcome the dark past of Genocide against Tutsi. In this place we found an opportunity to honour victims of the Genocide against Tutsi and learn from this country’s bitter history to prevent reoccurrence,” said Kapet Yaka Mireille, an international student from Ivory Coast. The visit ended with the laying of wreaths to the mass grave accommodating over 250,000 remains of Tutsis killed in different parts of Kigali. UNILAK holds the event at a time when Rwanda is commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi for the 28th time to honour over 1 million victims killed during 100 days. The University receives new students every year including internationals from African countries pursuing quality education. Today, the University has close to 200 international students from more than 15 African countries including Liberia, Cameroun, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Mauritania, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Congo, DRC and Angola among others.

International students studying at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) have commended its efforts in offering quality education and improving their wellbeing so that they can concentrate on pursuing academic excellence without disruptions. UNILAK is among private universities in Rwanda reputed for quality education that attracts local and foreign students. The university receives new students every year including internationals from African countries pursuing quality education. Today, the university has close to 200 international students from more than 15 African countries including Liberia, Cameroun, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Mauritania, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Congo, DRC and Angola among others. Some international students talked about the support received from the school to perform well and socialize with Rwandans. The representative of international students at UNILAK, Prince Fobay has said that they are safe in Rwanda and socialize with colleagues through established network. He explained that they initially struggled to get familiar with the environment due to barriers to understand Kinyarwanda but have mixed with the society and pursue courses easily and aim high to achieve academic excellence. “The ultimate goal of a student is to succeed. We are trying as much as we can as Africans to be flexible to changes to strive to be meaningful not only to our mother countries but also to the entire African continent, “he said. “Students also work hard with courage to pursue studies and exhibit outstanding performance. It is apparent that students are eager to shine and update their research skills,” Fobay added. Considering the knowledge acquired from UNILAK and support extended to international students, Fobay affirmed that he made the right choice and encouraged more students to join the university. Pricious klede, another student from Liberia studying Accounting at UNILAK revealed that she learnt about UNILAK via internet. She expressed optimism that acquired knowledge will pave the way for her brighter future. “After completing secondary studies, I started searching for a university where I had to advance my education. I learnt about Rwanda and UNILAK over the internet. I choose to come to Rwanda because of its serene atmosphere, good culture and security,” she noted. “I did not integrate easily upon arrival because Rwanda and Liberia don’t offer courses in similar programs. It took me at least three months because lecturers make possible efforts to assist students until they understand. They are also flexible to provide more explanations even during extra working hours,” Pricious added. Apart from existing courses, she disclosed that the university has started teaching them Kinyarwanda language so that they can be more familiar with the society. The Dean of Students at UNILAK, Ephron Nyamaswa has said that foreign students are assisted with special attention. “Normally, a student is our client and the client is a King. We show students that they are coming in the right time and are much valued. We have established a network of international students to easily follow up issues that might be hindering their studies or wellbeing,” he noted. Nyamaswa explained that the gentle treatment makes students feel at home and study comfortably. “The school becomes the students’ parent when they are far from biological parents. We make possible efforts as much as we can and keep in touch with relatives to ensure their wellbeing,” he emphasized. Apart from ensuring their wellbeing, the university also helps international students to get documents allowing them to study in Rwanda. As Nyamaswa explained, UNILAK seeks to continue advancing quality education and introduce distance learning. UNILAK has different branches in Kigali, Nyanza and Rwamagana. It is currently registering students willing to pursue studies in Law, Economic sciences and Management, Computing and Information Sciences and Environmental studies for the next intake expected to begin studies in April 2022.

Despite all efforts made; Rwamagana Agriculture cooperatives are not performing successfully as it has been reported through RCA audit reports and Land O’Lakes assessment reports. “Poor internal control system specifically lack of governance and updated internal regulations, limited awareness of cooperative law and lack of professional staff are major factors hindering the development of agriculture cooperatives in Rwamagana”; said Dr. Javan Semana; one of the workshop organizer and Coordinator of Rwamagana Campus In line of improving the performance of those cooperatives and equipping cooperative leaders with skills in internal control  and raising their awareness on cooperative law; LAND O’ LAKES Venture 37 in partnership with University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (Rwamagana Campus), Rwamagana District and Rwamagana Maize Cooperative Union has organized a two days workshop on cooperative  performance  and cooperative learning platform from this Wednesday 23rd February to 25th February 2022 at UNILAK Rwamagana Campus. “Many efforts were produced to support these cooperatives among them access to drying and storage facilities, construction of feeder roads, establishment of maize processing plants and also UNILAK Rwamagana Campus  has availed professionals who could assist cooperative members in smoothly running their businesses; but these cooperative are working in vain”; the concept note reads. Mr. Mbonyumunyi Radjab, Mayor of Rwamagana District who opened the workshop activities as the guest of honor urged the cooperative members who participated in the workshop to not take this learning opportunity for granted and to do their best to end this workshop with some skills which will help them to run their cooperatives successfully. “The fact that you have chosen to work together would have worked for your wealth and for the development of your country. Grab all the opportunities which are available on your way”; said Mayor Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab. Land O’ Lakes Venture 37 expects having empowered cooperative members at the end of this workshop. “We want to improve their access to agriculture financing, inputs and markets and this will be achieved through raising their awareness on the current cooperative law and compliance, internal control systems and minimization of irregularities;” said Kabera Jean Bosco, one of the trainee from Land O’ Lakes  Land O’Lakes Venture37 dubbed CD4  is working directly with National Confederation of Cooperatives, federations, unions and primary cooperatives to improve business performance and professionalism of its partner cooperatives and impact their economic transformation and sustainable growth as well as their members.

UNILAK saw its 15th graduation ceremony this October 14th, 2021. The event was held at Nyanza Campus. The colorful graduation ceremony was attended by some of the representatives of the international students enrolled at all the campuses of UNILAK. Emmanuel Trokon Baney; an international student in second year of… from Liberia recalled the memories of the day with enthusiasm. “I was granted the invitation to attend the graduation through the office of the Dean of Students’ affairs and I was selected to represent my fellow countrymen amongst fourteen other nationalities at the event” recalled Baney. “My fellow countrymen from Liberia were very excited to have seen the Liberian flag with its colors flying in a foreign country graduation ceremony. It brought joy to our hearts, while it serves as history in our lifetime education sojourn;” added Baney. He was echoed by his fellow international student from Kenya, Mwangi Anthony Muraya who appreciated the initiative of the UNILAK management to invite them to the graduation ceremony. “I appreciated the university management for the recognition towards all the 15 countries who citizens are studying at UNILAK. They made us feel at home and understand that we are inclusive in the family” said Mwangi. The attendance in the event gave them an opportunity to challenge their potentials. “The recognitions and awards who were given to the bright mind students who took first place has motivated and inspired many of us who were not putting in more time for study purposes;” said Agnes Ziba; an international student from Malawi who studying at Nyanza Campus in…. UNILAK has enrolled more than 200 hundred international students coming from 15 countries of Africa among them; Sudan, Kenya, Comoros, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Tchad, Liberia, Nigeria, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Burundi, DRC, Malawi, Erithrea and Tanzania.