The University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Rwamagana Campus, has graduated 281 students, including 51 graduates who completed master’s studies, marking another milestone in the university’s commitment to equipping young people with knowledge and skills for professional and national development.
The graduation ceremony was held on September 24, 2026, at UNILAK Rwamagana Campus, located in Muhazi Sector, Rwamagana District.
The graduates completed their studies in various disciplines, including Law, Economics and Management, Environmental Studies, and Computing and Information Sciences.
Addressing the graduates, UNILAK Vice Chancellor Prof. Jean Ngamije congratulated them on reaching this important milestone and reminded them of their responsibility to contribute to the development of their families, communities, and the country at large.
He emphasized that the education and training they received at UNILAK had equipped them with knowledge and skills to pursue their professional ambitions, contribute to society, and respond to some of the challenges facing the world today.
Among the graduates was Ingabire Marcelline, who completed her postgraduate studies. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue higher education and said her determination and commitment had finally paid off.
“UNILAK is a place where I have had wonderful experiences. I gained knowledge that will help me work hard, develop myself, support my family, and contribute to the development of my country. Although I have completed my studies, I am confident that the knowledge I have acquired will continue to be very valuable to me.”
For Muhire Olivier, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Law, the ceremony marked the achievement of a long-held dream.
He said his graduation was only the beginning of his academic journey, as he intends to continue his studies and ultimately pursue a PhD in Law.
“I am very happy today, but this is also a good beginning for me to continue studying Law and reach the highest level of education. I thank the leadership of UNILAK for giving us quality education, and I assure them that we will continue to uphold the discipline and values we were taught.”
Governor urges graduates to turn knowledge into solutions
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, congratulated the graduates and challenged them to use their education to address challenges facing communities and contribute to Rwanda’s development.
He highlighted the importance of applying knowledge in areas such as technology, job creation, agriculture, and community development.
Governor Rubingisa also commended UNILAK for bringing higher education closer to communities through its presence in different parts of the country, including Rwamagana.
“We appreciate UNILAK’s contribution in different parts of the country where it operates because it has brought education closer to those who need it. We thank you for coming closer to our people here in Rwamagana. As you graduate, we encourage you to work with farmers and cooperatives in activities that contribute to the development of our communities.”
He encouraged the graduates to remain connected to their communities and use their skills to create opportunities and contribute to sustainable development.
Celebrating 20 graduations
UNILAK was established in 1997 by the Foundation of Adventist Parents for Development (FAPADER), with a mission to contribute to the development of education.
The university is now marking its 20th graduation, reflecting nearly three decades of providing higher education in Rwanda.
UNILAK currently operates three campuses: Kigali, Nyanza, and Rwamagana, offering programmes across fields including Law, Economics and Management, Environmental Studies, Computing and Information Sciences, and Education.
The Rwamagana graduation follows the university’s graduation ceremony held at Nyanza Campus on September 22, 2026. The celebrations will conclude with the Kigali Campus graduation ceremony on October 1, 2026.
The three-campus ceremonies are part of UNILAK’s 20th graduation celebrations, bringing together graduates, families, university leadership, government officials, and other partners to celebrate the achievements of the university’s graduating class.
