Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, Rector of the National University of Rwanda (NUR) calls upon new students to think about their future in everything they do. NUR Rector made this call on 14th September 2012 during the closing ceremony of Induction week for the 2012-2013 academic year held in the NUR main auditorium.

NUR Rector told new students that as future leaders they have to work hard and not involve in any kind of misbehavior. He said, “Anyone who comes here should become an important person for his family and the country. If you do not work hard to acquire the needed knowledge, you won’t be what your parents and the country expect from you”. Prof. Silas Lwakabamba came also on some misconducts which are intolerable at NUR namely drunkenness, drugs, Genocide ideology, fighting, theft among others. He ended his speech advising new students to fight any sort of acts which may harm their future such as HIV/AIDS and unplanned pregnancies.

The Guild President of the National University of Rwanda Students’ Union (NURSU), Egide Kalisa requested new students to stick on their studies. He recalled them to ask for information on anything they do not understand about both academic and social life at NUR and work closely with their representatives. Kalisa informed new students that NUR staff were among supporters of a solidarity fund that has been initiated by Rwandans to improve the level of financial autonomy of Rwanda as a nation known as Agaciro Development Fund (ADF). He called upon these students to voluntarily contribute to ADF depending on their financial means as they will be the main beneficiaries of it.

Jacqueline Kayitare Abagwaneza who spoke on behalf of new students appreciated the warm welcome they received at NUR. “Before coming here, we were told that at university, no one cares about another but we met enthusiastic people who showed us where to find restaurants, class rooms, living rooms, etc. We are very grateful to NUR Staff and our elder students for their warm welcome,” said Abagwaneza.

The 2012-2013 Academic year induction week began on 09th September 2012. It focused on initiating new comers on life at NUR by presenting them faculties and departments, talking to them about academic regulations, code of conduct, lecturing on health issues and various sorts of entertainment. Apart from speeches, the closing ceremony was also marked by live performances of NUR based on dance cultural troupe known as Inyamibwa, local traditional artists like Daniel Ngarukiye and international artist under the name of Alif Naaba from Burkinafaso.

Students in Grand Auditorium during 2012-2013 induction week

Jacqueline Abagwaneza who spoke on behalf of new comers during the closing ceremony of induction week

Inyamibwa Cultural Troupe welcoming freshers

By Jean Baptiste Micomyiza