INES-Ruhengeri celebrates the 20th anniversary
INES-Ruhengeri University located in Musanze district, celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing education at the university level.
The ceremony took place on Thursday 7th December 2023.
The ceremony took place at the university’s main campus, with special ceremonies, including a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Vincent Harolimana of the Catholic Diocese of Ruhengeri.
Dignitaries from various sectors, including government officials, religious leaders, and the university’s leadership, attended the event.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Twagirayezu Gaspard, served as the chief guest.
On the 30th of June 2003, President Paul Kagame laid the foundation stone for INES-Ruhengeri before it officially commenced academic activities on the 17th of November that same year.
Mgr Harolimana, currently the university’s Chancellor, expressed gratitude to President Kagame for his unwavering support in establishing and developing INES-Ruhengeri.
President Kagame, in a message conveyed during the University’s laying foundation stone ceremony, emphasized the importance of supporting the university in all possible ways.
Mgr Harolimana commended Kagame for his visionary leadership, and other attendees, including Mgr Kizito Bahujimihigo, who played a key role in the university’s establishment.
Over the past two decades, INES-Ruhengeri has evolved from local to international university level, attracting students from 14 African countries. Currently, it enrolls 502 students, constituting 12% of the entire student body.
Education Minister Gaspard Twagirayezu expressed gratitude to the students for having chosen INES-Ruhengeri and commended the university for its contribution to the development to Rwanda’s education and social-economic progress.
He highlighted the university’s role in advancing research, fostering innovation, and promoting community development. Minister Twagirayezu emphasized that the skills acquired at INES-Ruhengeri not only benefit the students but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the surrounding communities.
The minister concluded by praising the university’s achievements and urged its continued commitment to providing quality education that aligns with market demands.
INES-Ruhengeri, previously known as the International University of Rwanda, has undergone significant growth and development in the past two decades. It now includes three colleges: the Biomedical Institute, focusing on health sciences, the College of Agriculture and Environmental Management, and the College of Business, Economics, and Management.
