On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the main campus of the Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR) hosted the 12th graduation ceremony for 573 students who completed their studies in the Faculty of Development Studies, the Faculty of Education, and the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. Among them were also 11 students who completed their Master's programs in Theology.

In his speech,Rev. Dr. Pascal Bataringaya, The Chancellor of the Protestant University of Rwanda and the Guest of Honour at the event, told the graduates that they have joined a large community of alumni of this institution who have made a significant impact on the life of the university, the Church, and society. He urged them to follow in the footsteps of those who came before them.

Rev. Dr. Pascal Bataringaya, The Chancellor of the Protestant University of Rwanda

He said: "You join a big family and community of alumni of the PUR who have also made a significant contribution to the life of this institution to the church and to the society's various fields.

I encourage you to keep Christian values, integrity, insparency, creativity and innovation that will continue to be your brand every where you will be called to serve."

He also added that the knowledge and values they acquired from this university are a pillar for the life they are entering and will help them conduct themselves well wherever they are called to serve.

He said: "The knowledge and competency you have acquired at this university will be an important foundation on which you rebuild your future but also foundation on which the future of the church and the society will be built."

The Vice Chancellor of the Protestant University of Rwanda, Professor Oluwole Ojedokun Olukayode, expressed his delight at the university's growing international stature, highlighting its diversity of students.

Vice Chancellor of PUR, Professor Oluwole Ojedokun Olukayode

He said, “We are pleased that our university has reached an international level. Among today's graduates, we have 561 Rwandans, 3 Burundians, 2 Nigerians, 5 from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and 1 student from South Sudan.”

Some of the graduates shared their intentions to use the knowledge they acquired at PUR to contribute to national development and make a meaningful impact in their lives.

Alphonse Sibomana said, “Since I studied Education, I am going to share the knowledge I gained here by training others and helping them develop themselves.”

Joseph Hakizimana echoed a similar feelings stating his desire to contribute to the country's development by educating young Rwandans.

Joseph Hakizimana, Graduate student

He said, “Now that I have completed my studies, I am going to work hard and contribute by helping Rwandan children understand what they learn and the value it holds for their future.”

Rev.Rose Mary Ibyishaka, who completed her Master's degree, emphasized her commitment to addressing emerging societal challenges and promoting good values.

Rev.Rose Mary Ibyishaka

She said, “Society constantly faces new challenges wherever we live or work. That’s why we come to school to sharpen our knowledge so we can solve them. We will contribute to ensuring that our country continues to thrive.”

 Rev. Dr. Viateur Habarurema, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics at PUR, commended the graduates for their work ethic and strong moral values, expressing confidence that they will be exemplary in the job market.

Rev. Dr. Viateur Habarurema, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics

He said, “We know these graduates to be hardworking individuals. Beyond the knowledge they gained from books, we believe they will connect it with real world challenges in their jobs. They also embody Christian values and human dignity, and we are confident they will be great ambassadors of the university.”

This graduation includes 573 students: 72 from the Faculty of Development Studies, 435 from the Faculty of Education, and 66 from the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies.

The 181 graduates are from  Karongi Campus and 392 from the Huye Campus, with 294  women and 279 men.

The students who performed well were given various awards

Author: Valens MUVUNANKIKO