As it approaches its 22-year journey of academic excellence, the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) is gearing up to celebrate its Silver Jubilee in the next three years.
Situated in the heart of Rwanda, in Muhanga District, ICK’s academic journey began on October 21, 2002, following its establishment by the Catholic Diocese of Kabgayi.
Initially known as the Université Catholique de Kabgayi (UCK), it was officially recognized by the Ministry of Education on March 27, 2003, through a convention agreement between the Rwandan government and the Diocese of Kabgayi.
A pivotal transformation occurred on February 4, 2010, when UCK became the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), receiving accreditation on March 24, 2010.
Student enrollment trends
ICK started with 311 students in 2003 and experienced remarkable growth, peaking at 1,629 students during the 2013-2014 academic year.
While enrollment temporarily declined to 810 students in 2017-2018, recent years have witnessed a resurgence, with a record 4,212 students enrolled in 2023-2024.
This growth is largely attributed to the introduction of multiple intakes and specialized programs, particularly in education.
Currently operating across two campuses in Muhanga District, ICK offers Diplomas and Bachelor’s Degrees across various disciplines.
Notably, the Faculty of Education at ICK offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, as well as Bachelor’s Degrees and Diplomas across all its departments.
In other faculties including; Journalism and Communication Studies, Science of Development, and Social, Economic Sciences, and Business Management ICK offers only Bachelor Degree.
Furthermore, the first cohort of Nursing and Midwifery students, currently completing their first year, will be awarded Advanced Diplomas upon successfully finishing their three-year program.
Graduation milestones
Since its first graduation ceremony in 2010, ICK has consistently celebrated the achievements of its students across diverse fields. Below is a snapshot of its graduation milestones:
1st Ceremony (July 16, 2010): 518 graduates from 2007, 2008, and 2009 cohorts received Bachelor’s Degrees in Management, Sociology, Sciences of Development, and Journalism.
2nd Ceremony (March 16, 2012): 360 students graduated in Management, Sociology, Sciences of Development, and Journalism.
3rd Ceremony (July 18, 2013): 472 graduates from the 2011 and 2012 cohorts received degrees.
4th Ceremony (September 24, 2014): 185 graduates represented the 2012-2013 academic year.
5th Ceremony (March 3, 2016): 467 graduates from 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 academic years were awarded degrees.
6th Ceremony (November 23, 2017): 380 graduates from 2015-2016 academic year received Bachelor’s Degrees in SESBM, SD, and JC faculties.
7th Ceremony (November 9, 2018): 389 graduates from 2016-2017 academic year earned degrees.
8th Ceremony (December 6, 2019): 195 graduates from 2017-2018 academic year received degrees.
9th Ceremony (Online, March 30, 2021): 313 graduates from 2018-2019 academic year were celebrated.
10th Ceremony (April 21, 2022): 533 graduates from 2019-2020 academic year earned degrees, including the first cohorts from Education and Finance programs.
11th Ceremony (December 23, 2022): 208 graduates from 2020-2021 academic year received degrees.
12th Ceremony (April 21, 2023): 323 graduates, including the first recipients of Diplomas and Postgraduate Diplomas in Education, were honored.
13th Ceremony (December 22, 2023): 546 graduates were celebrated, including 351 Bachelor’s Degrees, 167 Diplomas, and 28 Postgraduate Diplomas in Education.
Looking ahead, ICK will celebrate its 14th graduation ceremony on December 13, 2024, honoring 1,137 graduands.
In this regard, ICK is prepared to celebrate 6,026 graduates by December 2024, up from 4,889 since Its inception.
This milestone will mark a momentous occasion in the institution’s 22-year journey of academic excellence.
https://ickjournalism.com/personal-biography-of-father-dr-jean-marie-vianney-samarwa-dvc-af-at-ick/
