The Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) has announced a strategic partnership with Cornerstone & Luthien Advisory LTD (CLA) to offer Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) courses to its students.
The agreement, signed today by Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, Vice Chancellor of ICK, and Kennedy Bichanga, Principal of CLA, marks a significant step in enhancing the institution’s academic offerings.
Under the terms of the agreement, CLA will provide both the CPA and CAT programs and assist ICK in securing scholarship opportunities for students.
Father Prof. Dushimimana emphasized that the partnership’s goal is to help students pursue these professional qualifications, saying, “It is an agreement aimed at partnering with CLA to offer CPA and CAT courses.”
He further elaborated on CLA’s responsibilities, including teaching the courses, search for qualified instructors, and working together to secure funding so that the professional courses which are already accredited to be ready for implementation.
Kennedy Bichanga explained that the motivation for this collaboration is to equip ICK students and alumni with professional qualifications that will help them succeed in the competitive job market.
“The reason is to take up ICK students and alumni, enabling them to prepare well to face the job market,” he said.
Bichanga also noted the lack of educational institutions that offer CPA and CAT in Southern Rwanda, particularly between Kigali and Huye, inspired the partnership.
“There is no institution in this area that offers CPA,” he said, adding that many graduates are struggling in the job market due to the absence of CPA and CAT certifications, despite having degrees in finance and accounting.
Highlighting the value of professional qualifications, Bichanga added, “As you know, the world has become very competitive. Having both a degree and a professional qualification sets you apart in the job market.”
After the signing, CLA representatives met with ICK’s Finance and Accounting students to explain the benefits of acquiring CPA and CAT certifications for their future careers.
Students shared their excitement about the new opportunity.
Achille Pacifique Mugisha, a first-year Accounting student, said, “I’m happy to learn more about the program as it will be offered here at ICK. It’s a great opportunity for us to take it here, as we thought it was only available elsewhere.”
Gisele Umuhoza, also a first-year Accounting student, expressed her gratitude for the funding opportunities, saying, “We’re really happy that CPA are being offered at ICK, and even though they’re expensive, we’re excited that financial support will be provided.”
Cornerstone & Luthien Advisory is a training center that prepares students to sit for examinations in business-related programs in Rwanda and Kenya. They are based in Kigali and have a branch in Huye District.
The partnership agreement, which spans five years, is set to be renewed if the collaboration proves successful. The courses are scheduled to begin in May 2025, with students expected to complete 18 modules for receiving their certificate of completion.
