Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, has urged 38 police officers who graduated from the Rwanda National Police College to translate classroom learning into practical leadership, saying true leadership is demonstrated in service and decision-making beyond academic achievement.
He made the remarks during a graduation ceremony held on Friday, June 19, 2026, for officers who completed bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in leadership and security studies at the Police College in Musanze District.
Nsengimana said graduation should not be seen as the end of learning, but rather the beginning of real leadership responsibilities in a rapidly evolving security environment.
He noted that modern security challenges are increasingly complex, shaped by emerging technologies, shifting criminal networks, and global interconnected threats that require continuous learning and adaptation.
The minister emphasized that effective leadership in the security sector is anchored on three key pillars: knowledge, skills, and attitude.
He explained that knowledge enables officers to understand challenges, skills allow them to respond effectively, while attitude determines how they lead, collaborate, and serve communities.
Nsengimana cautioned that knowledge without application has limited impact, while technical skills without strong ethical grounding can become harmful.
He also highlighted key global security threats, including cybercrime, transnational organized crime, terrorism, misinformation, and the misuse of emerging technologies.
He commended the graduates for successfully completing their training, noting that the programme equips them to strengthen leadership within security institutions and enhance cooperation across African countries.
The minister also praised the Rwanda National Police College, the University of Rwanda, and the African Leadership University (ALU) for their role in delivering high-quality and relevant training.
He urged the graduates to demonstrate leadership in practice by applying their knowledge professionally, upholding integrity, and serving as role models in their respective institutions and countries.
The 38 graduates included senior officers from 10 African countries, drawn from the Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), and the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
Among them, 36 officers completed master’s degrees while two completed bachelor’s degrees.
Outstanding performers were also recognized during the ceremony, with Superintendent Fraterno Muhawenimana of the Rwanda National Police named best overall student, followed by SP Florent Nyondira of RNP, while Superintendent Chisomo Lucius Ziwao of Malawi Police Service placed third.
