The ceremony was held on July 20, 2026, at the university's headquarters in Gicumbi District, where graduates were celebrated for successfully completing their academic journeys and preparing to join the labour market.
UTAB Vice Chancellor, Dr. Munana Gilbert, congratulated the graduates on their achievement and encouraged them to continue developing their skills and knowledge to create opportunities for themselves and contribute to society.
'Today marks the beginning of another journey. The degrees you are receiving are not the end of education, but rather a foundation that will enable you to continue learning, improving your skills, and serving Rwandan society and the world at large,' he said.
He explained that quality education goes beyond helping learners remember what they have been taught, but instead prepares them to think critically, ask important questions, and develop innovative solutions to existing challenges.
'True education does not create people who only repeat what they have learned. It creates individuals who think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and come up with new solutions,' he added.
Dr. Munana urged the graduates to uphold values of integrity, commitment, patriotism, and hard work, which he described as important qualities promoted among students at UTAB.
The university's legal representative, Bishop Papias Musengamana, said the 15th graduation ceremony reflects UTAB's continued growth and its contribution to strengthening Rwanda's education sector.
He noted that graduates leaving the university represent an important contribution to the country's development because the knowledge and skills they have gained will enable them to participate in solving challenges facing Rwanda and the world.
'This demonstrates UTAB's position as a trusted partner in preparing competent and responsible professionals who are capable of addressing challenges affecting our country and the world at large,' Bishop Musengamana said.
During the ceremony, UTAB also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new university building that will support the improvement of education quality and research activities at the institution.
Bishop Musengamana said the five-storey building is expected to be completed within one year, adding that the university will work hard to ensure the project is delivered on time.
'We will do everything possible to ensure that this building is completed within the planned period and contributes to improving education as well as the development of Gicumbi City,' he said.
Among the graduates was Rogin Ifitebyose, who completed a Bachelor's degree in English and Kinyarwanda. He thanked UTAB for equipping students with knowledge and values that will continue guiding them throughout their professional lives.
'During our time at UTAB, we had the opportunity to study programmes that respond to today's needs, improve our language skills, gain knowledge in technology, participate in practical learning, conduct research, and acquire other skills that will help us compete at the labour market,' he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ndikubwimana Théoneste, Head of the General Higher Education Quality Standards Department at the Higher Education Council (HEC), called on UTAB and other higher learning institutions across Rwanda to strengthen the use of technology in teaching and learning.
He particularly encouraged universities to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to ensure students acquire skills relevant to the changing global environment.
'We encourage the leadership of this university and other institutions to increase the use of technology in teaching and learning. Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, and students should not be left behind. Universities must invest more in these technologies,' he said.
The graduation ceremony highlighted UTAB's continued commitment to producing skilled graduates equipped with knowledge, values, and practical skills needed to contribute to Rwanda's transformation and global development.
