Over 3,000 students graduated from Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) in the 7th graduation ceremony of this vocational and technical education institution on May 9, 2024, in the BK Arena.
The graduating class of 2024 consists of 3,024 graduates, with 29.2% being female and 70.8% male.
These students studied in 11 departments, namely Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Creative Arts, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Forestry, Hospitality Management, Information & Communication Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Natural Conservation, and Tourism, across all eight colleges of RP.
For the first time, Rwanda Polytechnic awarded Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) certificates to 72 graduates who have fulfilled the academic requirements in Mechanical Engineering & Civil Engineering from IPRC Kigali and IPRC Huye, respectively.
During the graduation ceremony, Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr Eduard Ngirente, said, “Recognizing the urgency of addressing workforce needs, the Government of Rwanda proactively worked to align education to deliver market needs. Technical education was identified as a key solution to bridge the skills gap and promote employability.”
The Prime Minister congratulated the students who obtained their diplomas and degrees, extending well wishes for their future endeavors beyond school.
He urged parents to continue supporting their children to pursue technical education, emphasizing its significance in shaping their professional paths.
Rwanda Polytechnic was established by the Government of Rwanda in 2017 to implement Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills development across the country.
Currently, it has eight colleges gathered in Integrated Polytechnic Regional Colleges (IPRCs) named IPRC Musanze, IPRC Kigali, IPRC Ngoma, IPRC Huye, IPRC Karongi, IPRC Kitabi, IPRC Gishari, and IPRC Tumba.
The Government of Rwanda has been focusing on a development agenda aimed at transforming Rwanda, and the expansion of the TVET system with collaboration from development partners, private sector actors, and civil society is part of this initiative.