Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, marked a historic milestone as it awarded degrees and diplomas to a record-breaking 1,412 graduates during its 15th Graduation Ceremony held at Muhanga Regional Stadium.
The graduating class is the largest in the institution’s history, surpassing the previous record of 1,237 graduates by 174. The increase reflects ICK’s steady growth over its 23 years of existence, driven by rising student enrolment and the institution’s growing reputation for quality education.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chancellor of ICK, Bishop Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa, highlighted the institution’s vision of sustained progress. He said the pace of growth achieved by ICK should not only be maintained but further strengthened.
The Chancellor of ICK, and Bishop of Kabgayi Diocese, Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa
Bishop Ntivuguruzwa urged the graduates to remain resilient in the face of challenges, to remain resilient and values-driven.
“Now that you have received your degrees, do not allow challenges to discourage you. Keep trusting in your talents and the knowledge you have gained at ICK. Continue to sharpen your skills, because learning and self-development never stop, and always hold on to the values you were taught at Institut Catholique de Kabgayi,” he added.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ICK, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, noted that the institution’s growth goes beyond increasing student numbers. He revealed that during the year, ICK launched a Master’s programme in Education Sciences, making it the only higher learning institution in Rwanda currently offering the programme.
He added that plans are underway to introduce additional programmes at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Prof. Dushimimana also pointed out that 2025 marked the year in which ICK released the highest number of graduates into the labour market since its establishment.
The Vice- Chancellor of ICK, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana
The ceremony brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including academic staff, parents, local government leaders, and partners of the institution.
Speaking on behalf of Muhanga District, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Gilbert Mugabo, called on graduates to play an active role in national development. “You are a pride to your country, which provided you with this opportunity,” he said. “Use your knowledge and abilities to protect what the nation has achieved and to take part in its development.”
Gilbert Mugabo, the Vice Mayor of Muhanga District in charge of Social Affair
Of the 1,412 graduates, 1,126 were awarded Bachelor’s degrees, 258 received Diplomas, and 28 obtained Postgraduate Diplomas. The Faculty of Education accounted for the largest share of graduates, with 1,186 students, representing 84 percent of the graduating class.
In total, the institution awarded 1,126 Bachelor’s degrees, 258 Diplomas, and 28 Postgraduate Diplomas. The Faculty of Education accounted for the largest share of graduates, with 1,186 students, representing 84 percent of the graduating class.
ICK continues to experience rapid growth as new academic programmes are introduced, pointing to the likelihood of even larger graduating cohorts in the future. The Faculty of Health Sciences, which was established in 2023, is expected to present its first graduates, Advanced Diplomas in Health Sciences with honours in Nursing and Midwifery at the next graduation ceremony.
Author: Jules Roger Rwema