The University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Nyanza Campus, has graduated 295 students who have completed their studies in various academic programs.
The graduation ceremony was held on 22 September 2026 at UNILAK Nyanza Campus, located in Busasamana Sector, Nyanza District.
UNILAK was established in 1997 by the Family Association for the Promotion of Education and Development (FAPADER), an association of Seventh-day Adventist parents committed to advancing education and development.
The ceremony marked UNILAK’s 20th graduation, with graduates coming from programs in Law, Economic Sciences and Management, Environmental Studies, and Computing and Information Sciences.
Of the 295 graduates, 191 were awarded bachelor’s degrees, while 104 received master’s degrees. The graduates came from nine different countries, including Rwanda, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, and others, reflecting UNILAK’s growing international student community.
UNILAK continues to promote international education.
Speaking at the ceremony, UNILAK Vice Chancellor Prof. Jean Ngamije congratulated the graduates and thanked their parents for entrusting their children to the University.
He highlighted UNILAK’s growing role as an international university that brings together students from different countries and maintains partnerships with higher learning institutions abroad, including universities in China.
“I congratulate the graduates and their parents who entrust their children to us. UNILAK has become a home for students from different countries and is trusted in various parts of the world. At different times, we have sent our students outside Rwanda for employment opportunities or further studies, and this is one of the benefits of studying at UNILAK,” Prof. Ngamije said.
Graduates commit to putting their knowledge to work
For the graduates, completing their studies at UNILAK represents both an achievement and an opportunity to contribute to society.
Jess Walker, a Liberian graduate who received a bachelor’s degree, expressed gratitude to the University leadership, lecturers, and parents. He noted that although students came from different countries and cultural backgrounds, their shared experience at UNILAK brought them together.
“I thank the University leadership, our lecturers and our parents. We came from Liberia and different countries with different cultures, but we are graduating as one. UNILAK has given us the knowledge we need, and it is now our responsibility to put it to good use so that it can benefit others,” he said.
Nsanganira Vincent, who received a master’s degree, said graduates are committed to finding ways to use the knowledge and qualifications they have gained to make a positive difference in society.
“We will continue looking for ways to put the degrees we have earned from UNILAK to good use and ensure that they benefit others,” he said.
“Graduation is the beginning of a new journey.”
Niyogakiza Jotham, the legal representative of UNILAK, encouraged the graduates to view graduation not as the end of their journey but as the beginning of a new chapter.
He also encouraged continuing students to remain committed to their studies and follow the example of those who have graduated before them.
“To the students who are still studying, do not give up. Follow in the footsteps of those who have graduated before you. We also thank everyone who chooses UNILAK, and we will continue to welcome and support you because that is our mission,” he said.
Graduates are urged to create opportunities
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Prof. Uwimbabazi Penine, Senator in the Parliament of Rwanda, encouraged the graduates to become job creators rather than waiting only for employment opportunities.
“I congratulate the graduates. Go and create jobs rather than simply looking for jobs. A degree is important, but it should be reflected in the actions you take and in the solutions you develop,” she said.
She further reminded the graduates that obtaining a degree marks the beginning of a new journey.
“A degree is the beginning of a journey, not the end. You have a qualification that should open doors for you. Create opportunities instead of waiting for opportunities. Let good character and integrity guide you wherever you go,” she added.
Through its three campuses in Kigali, Nyanza and Rwamagana, UNILAK continues to provide higher education to students from Rwanda and beyond, while strengthening its contribution to Rwanda’s human capital development and international academic collaboration.
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