The University of Rwanda (UR) will, for the second year in a row, hold its annual graduation ceremony at the Huye Campus on October 17.
The decision, informed by the growing number of graduating students and logistical considerations, marks a departure from the university’s long-standing tradition of rotating the event among its various campuses.
Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, explained the rationale behind this decision, emphasizing the significant increase in the number of graduates.
“Many people have been asking why we introduced the system of moving campus to campus. We started from Nyagatare, next year we went to Musanze, the following year we came here [Huye], and now we are coming back here,” Prof. Kayihura stated.
“This is because of the large numbers,” Prof Kayihura explained, “Every time we move to a new location, we assess what is required to host such an event. Given the investments made here last year and the growing number of graduates and parents attending, we realized Huye remains the most suitable venue for this year. However, we plan to resume the rotation next year.”
The university’s management has also highlighted logistical constraints linked to the expanding graduating class.
During the 10th graduation ceremony, held on October 25, last year, UR conferred degrees upon 8,068 graduates across various disciplines, including diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs.
Although this was a slight drop from the 9th graduation in November 2023, which saw 8,321 students graduate, the university expects a major increase this year.
According to a post on UR’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the upcoming 11th graduation ceremony will feature more than 9,000 graduates, underscoring a steady upward trend in student completion rates.
This growing turnout continues to demand a venue that can comfortably accommodate the graduates, their families, and other invited guests.
Aimable Ishimwe / The Kaminuza Star