Minister Urges UR Graduates to Create Opportunities and Solve Problems

The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, has urged University of Rwanda graduates to use their knowledge and skills to solve problems, create jobs and contribute to the country’s development.
Speaking at the University of Rwanda’s 2026 graduation ceremony at the College of Education in Rukara, the minister said a degree is not only a personal achievement but also an opportunity to serve society.
“Your degree is an important achievement, but its true value will be demonstrated by what you do with the knowledge and skill you have acquired,” he said.
He encouraged graduates to look beyond finding jobs and consider how they can create value in their communities and the country.
“I encourage you to look beyond the question where will I find my job and ask yourselves what value can I create? What challenge I can help solve?” he said.
The minister said Rwanda needs skilled people who can address challenges such as unemployment, improve education and health services, develop agriculture, grow industries and support digital transformation.
He also urged graduates to adapt to changes in technology and the job market.
“Technology, including artificial intelligence, is transforming how we live and how we work. New professions are emerging, and the skills needed tomorrow may differ from those required today,” he said.
According to the minister, graduates need more than academic qualifications to succeed. They also need critical thinking, creativity, integrity and the ability to turn knowledge into practical solutions.
He encouraged graduates to create opportunities for themselves and others while contributing to Rwanda’s development.
The minister also advised graduates not to lose hope if their first job does not meet their expectations. He encouraged them to accept honest work, start small and continue developing their skills.
“Your first job does not define your entire career. Your first setback does not determine your future,” he said.
He reminded graduates that success is not measured only by professional status but also by integrity, service to others and the positive impact they make on people’s lives.
In his closing message, the minister encouraged graduates to remain proud of their achievements while continuing to learn, create opportunities rather than wait for them, and measure success by how many people benefit from their work. He said Rwanda’s future depends on the knowledge, ideas, work and values of its people.