On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the Institute of Applied Sciences (INES-Ruhengeri), located in Musanze District, celebrated its 16th Graduation Ceremony, awarding degrees to 892 graduates, including 407 women, 485 men, and 56 international students.
Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, Director of the Higher Education Council (HEC), represented the Minister of Education at the event and conveyed a message of gratitude: “The Minister of Education sent me to thank you for your support of Rwanda’s education sector,” Dr. Mukankomeje stated.
She emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in education, saying, “If we want to reach the same level as graduates from Harvard, we need to keep enhancing our education system.”
Dr. Mukankomeje also encouraged INES-Ruhengeri to raise its academic ambitions. “The Minister asked me to tell you that, while you currently offer Advanced Diplomas (A1), Bachelor’s (A0) and Master’s Degrees , it is time to move forward and introduce PhD programs,” she said.
“We don’t want to keep sending money abroad to the U.S. or elsewhere. Let’s use those resources here in Rwanda. If you are ready to launch a PhD program, submit it to HEC tomorrow, and we will fast-track it. And maybe, one day, the microphone I’m using today will be manufactured here in Rwanda,” she added.
Since its inception, INES-Ruhengeri has graduated over 11,885 students. The institution currently offers 22 Bachelor’s and 11 Master’s programs, attracting learners from across Africa, including countries such as Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Guinea, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe.
