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UNILAK had the pleasure of hosting a distinguished delegation from the Hubei Provincial People’s Congress, China on July 16th. The visit was made possible through the university’s long-standing collaboration with the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC), a valued partner in advancing research and academic exchange between Africa and China. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the university’s senior management team, who highlighted UNILAK’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that foster research, innovation, and cultural exchange. Discussions during the visit centered on areas of mutual interest, including collaborative research projects, student and staff exchange programs, and capacity-building initiatives.

On July 10th, members of the UNILAK Law Students’ Society from the Nyanza Campus had the opportunity to visit the Parliament, Chamber of Deputies, and attend its plenary session. The educational visit aimed at deepening students’ understanding of parliamentary procedures, lawmaking processes, and the role of Parliament in promoting democracy and good governance. During the session, students observed firsthand how laws are debated and adopted, giving them valuable insights that complement their classroom learning. The Law Students’ Society expressed gratitude to the UNILAK administration for its unwavering support in organizing the visit, which plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of legal professionals.

On June 30th, UNILAK senior management team warmly received a delegation from Ulster University Business School at the main campus. The visit marked an important step in strengthening international collaboration between the two institutions. During the meeting, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on potential areas of partnership, with a particular emphasis on business and entrepreneurship. The dialogue centered on how the collaboration can contribute to enhancing the learning experience of UNILAK students by integrating practical, hands-on training into the existing business curriculum. Ulster University Business School expressed its commitment to supporting UNILAK in developing initiatives that equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the competitive business environment. This includes promoting entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for students to gain real-world exposure through joint projects, training programs, and mentorship. The senior management of UNILAK reiterated the university’s dedication to forming strategic partnerships that advance its mission of producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also capable of driving economic growth and social transformation in their communities. This engagement sets the foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership that will contribute to capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the development of a new generation of business leaders.

On the 26th of June 2025, UNILAK proudly celebrated its 19th Graduation Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. A total of 1,331 students from the University’s campuses of Nyanza, Kigali, and Rwamagana were awarded Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a colorful ceremony attended by faculty, families, and invited guests. In his remarks, Prof. Ngamije Jean, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAK congratulated the graduates for their hard work and resilience, emphasizing that their success was well deserved. He encouraged them to take the knowledge, skills, and values acquired at UNILAK into the marketplace, contributing to national and global development. “Today you leave here not just as degree holders but as ambassadors of UNILAK. Carry with you the spirit of integrity, service, and innovation that you have nurtured during your time with us. The future needs you not just as jobseekers but as creators of opportunities,” he said. The ceremony highlighted the University’s commitment to nurturing ethical leaders and innovators who are ready to tackle society’s challenges. Families and friends celebrated the graduands with music, dance, and applause as they walked across the stage to receive their degrees.

On May 29, 2025, a high-level delegation from UNILAK, led by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Richard Niyonkuru, departed for Europe to strengthen international partnerships. The team included distinguished delegates Dr. Christine Umumararungu, Dean of Economic Sciences and Management and Dr. Enan Nyesheja, Dean of Computing and Information Sciences. The delegation’s visit focused on strategic collaboration talks with partner universities in Poland and Germany, marking a significant step in expanding UNILAK global academic network. A key highlight was the collaborative meeting with Warsaw University of Management (MAN). This fruitful engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a landmark agreement that sets the foundation for extensive cooperation. The MoU outlines a framework to promote exchanges between students and academic staff, capacity building initiatives, seminars, conferences, Erasmus projects, public lectures, and joint course development and delivery. At Powislanska University, the delegation was warmly received by Pro-Rector Dr. Mariia Lutsyk. Productive discussions were held with Professor Arthur Kolb, Vice President of Internationalization & Equal Opportunities, and Mr. Bernd Haulzhauser, Director of the International Office. Key agreements included launching student and professor exchange programs and initiating joint projects aimed at deepening academic collaboration. As part of the ongoing partnership, members of UNILAK senior management will be invited to participate in Kempten’s International Week scheduled for November 2025. The visit concluded with a campus tour, including a visit to the Material Testing Laboratory within the Faculty of Engineering, highlighting opportunities for collaborative research and innovation. This European mission underscores UNILAK commitment to fostering international cooperation, enhancing academic quality, and broadening opportunities for its students and staff.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) in collaboration with the Economic Policy Research Network (EPRN Rwanda), held a highly engaging public lecture at UNILAK focusing on Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) 2024–2029. The event drew students and staff from across various faculties, who gathered to learn more about the country’s development vision and the key strategies that will guide Rwanda’s transformation over the next five years. The lecture offered a deep dive into the goals, priority areas, and implementation plans of NST2, with emphasis on economic growth, social transformation, and good governance. Officials from MINECOFIN and EPRN took participants through the rationale behind the strategy, highlighting how NST2 aligns with Rwanda’s long-term Vision 2050. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how the country’s strategic initiatives relate to their fields of study and future careers. Speaking at the event, representatives from MINECOFIN emphasized the importance of engaging the youth and academic institutions in national development processes. “The future of Rwanda lies in the hands of young people. Understanding the NST2 framework enables students to become active contributors to national transformation,” said one of the speakers. The public lecture underscored UNILAK growing role as a platform for national dialogue and policy education. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government bodies and research networks to nurture informed and responsible citizens. As Rwanda moves into the implementation phase of NST2, events like these are expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between policy and practice, especially among the country’s future leaders.

Prof. Antony Uwaya, the Head of Partnerships at UNILAK, recently visited Mauritius as a Special Guest of Honour at the prestigious African Higher Education Summit. The event, brought together key stakeholders from Africa, America, Europe, and Asia to engage in high-level discussions on shaping the future of higher education across the globe. The summit served as a platform for academic leaders, policymakers, researchers, and development partners to exchange ideas, forge new collaborations, and explore strategies to strengthen institutional capacity and global partnerships. Prof. Antony delivered a keynote address highlighting UNILAK commitment to internationalisation, innovation, and inclusive academic growth. He emphasized the importance of cross-continental collaboration in addressing shared challenges such as digital transformation, research funding, and equitable access to education. During his visit, Prof. Antony also held bilateral meetings with university leaders and representatives from higher education networks to explore partnership opportunities in areas such as student and staff exchanges, joint research initiatives, and curriculum development. His participation as Special Guest of Honour reflects UNILAK rising prominence on the international stage and its continued commitment to driving impactful change in higher education across Africa and beyond. The summit concluded with a strong call to action for African institutions to embrace innovation, deepen global ties, and work collaboratively to build a resilient and future-ready education ecosystem.

On 23rd May 2025, all campuses of UNILAK came together in solemn remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi during the 31st commemoration activities. The day was marked with deep reflection, unity, and a reaffirmed commitment to building a peaceful and inclusive Rwanda. At Nyanza Campus, the day began with a visit to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial Site in Nyanza District, where staff, students, and invited guests laid a wreath in honor of the victims. The visit served as a powerful reminder of the lives lost and underscored the collective responsibility to preserve the memory of the genocide while educating future generations about its consequences. Meanwhile, at the Rwamagana Campus, the university community held a parallel event marked by a gathering of students, staff, and dignitaries. Distinguished guests who addressed the participants emphasized the importance of unity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. They urged the youth to stand against divisionism and hatred, and to contribute to sustaining Rwanda’s journey of reconciliation and peace. As part of the commemoration, UNILAK extended its support to Genocide survivors in nearby communities, reaffirming its ongoing dedication to remembrance, healing, and national solidarity. Through this act, the University emphasized the role of education not only in shaping minds but also in nurturing compassion and social responsibility.