Mount Kigali University is working to place Rwandan learners on a world-class stage, the institution’s inaugural Chancellor, Prof Egara Kabaji, has said.
The newly-appointed Chancellor vowed to work closely with the university’s Governing Council and the Vice-Chancellor to make this happen.
This, he explained, will be achieved through “strengthening regional engagement, fostering academic rigour, and cultivating global partnerships.”
Prof Kabaji said this during Mount Kenya University’s (MKU’s) 27 Graduation Ceremony that was also celebrated at the Mount Kigali University campus in Kicukiro District on August 8. More than 1,200 Rwandan students and others from neighbouring nations graduated.
As he shared his vision, Prof Kabaji delivered a moving speech on Mount Kigali University’s journey from a campus of MKU to a fully-fledged, autonomous institution. He paid tribute to the Higher Education Council (HEC) and the Ministry of Education for nurturing the university through structured guidance.
“Rwanda,” Prof Kabaji asserted, “has demonstrated its capacity to host and sustain world-class institutions of higher learning.” He added: “Mount Kigali University is poised to live out its national calling as a university shaped by Rwanda for Rwanda, and respected around the globe.”
In his speech, Vice-Chancellor Dr Martin Kimemia described the graduation as “a powerful pause – a moment between achievement and ambition.” Reflecting on the theme, ‘Innovation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Higher Education’, Dr Kimemia emphasised the need for transformation in academia.
“What we teach, how we teach, and why we teach must evolve,” he said. “Innovation must become the everyday language of universities… The question is no longer if we use AI, but how wisely we do.”
He praised students as innovators, not just learners, and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
“Excellence isn’t what we aim for. It’s what we expect,” he declared, and added: “Degrees must be engines of innovation, not just credentials for employment.”
The voices of students also resonated throughout the celebration. Ingabire Raissa, representing the postgraduates, shared a message of reflection and hope, stating: “It is a profound honour to stand before you on behalf of the graduating class of 2025. We’ve come a long way – from nervous introductions to becoming accomplished graduates. This is not an end, but a magnificent beginning. Let’s go make a difference.”
Undergraduate speaker Abraham Famanou echoed this sentiment. “Our relentless hard work, dedication, and perseverance have shaped who we are today,” he said. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
This year’s cohort was especially notable for its strong female representation, with over 50 percent of the graduates being women – a milestone hailed as a step forward for gender equity in education and leadership.
Looking ahead, Mount Kigali University is expanding and investing in innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital learning, positioning itself as a key player in Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the broader East African academic landscape.
Mount Kigali University is on a steady path to becoming a research-led institution. In addition to a Medical Centre, the institution recently opened a training hotel – Kigali Paramount Hotel – which will serve as a hands-on learning facility for the university’s students in hospitality and tourism.
Dr Kimemia said the university is also investing in infrastructure that promotes a conducive learning environment. A new tuition and housing block is currently under construction. It will include offices for academic and associate staff, lecture theatres, recreational rooms, a cafeteria, and common areas designed to foster a sense of community and encourage collaboration among students and staff. In addition, plans are underway to expand hostel capacity and meet the growing demand for on-campus student accommodation.