Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) graduated 82 students on Friday, September 18, 2026, challenging them to use their skills and knowledge to address challenges facing the country’s agriculture sector.
The fourth graduation ceremony was held at RICA’s campus in Bugesera District, where the graduates received bachelor’s degrees in various fields related to conservation agriculture and livestock production.
The Executive Director of the Higher Education Council (HEC), Dr Edward Kadozi, said the graduates’ degrees should translate into practical knowledge and the ability to adapt to change and solve problems affecting society.
“Remember that your education is an investment that comes with a responsibility to society. Do not only ask yourselves, ‘What job can my degree get me?’ Instead, ask, ‘What problems can I solve because I have this degree?’ That is the mindset Rwanda needs,” Kadozi said.
He also urged the graduates to use technology effectively as they apply their knowledge, while cautioning them against allowing technology to replace human judgment.
“We want graduates who can use technology with confidence. But technology must remain a tool; it should not replace people’s ability to make decisions,” he said.
RICA Vice Chancellor Dr Olusegun Yerokun congratulated the graduates and challenged them to develop practical solutions to agricultural problems, particularly those affecting smallholder farmers, while promoting the conservation of soil and the environment.
“Today, we are not just celebrating certificates. We are celebrating the knowledge and practical skills that students have gained in just three years through classroom learning, laboratory work and field experience,” Yerokun said.
He added that RICA had trained the graduates to identify solutions to challenges in Rwanda’s agriculture sector in ways that support smallholder farmers and protect natural resources.
RICA has graduated 321 students over the past four years. Among Friday’s graduates, Irakoze Mizero Axelle received the award for the best-performing student.
In recognition of her outstanding academic performance, RICA offered Mizero a position as a research associate.
