ULK Welcomes Students to the 2024-2025 Academic Year: A Call for Excellence and Integrity.
On September 31, 2024, ULK hosted an important gathering to kick off the new academic year. The event was moderated by Mrs. Sauda Uwera, Director of the Centre of English Language (CELA), and graced by the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sikubwabo Cyprien, who warmly welcomed everyone. During the event, Dr. Sikubwabo took the opportunity to introduce the university’s key authorities to the students, marking the official start of the new academic year.
Dr. Cyprien introduced the ULK executive members, including himself, the Assistant to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance, Mrs. Becky Balinda, and the Deputy Vice Chancellors. Prof. Dr. Martin, DVC Academic, and Mrs. Nyirashyirambere Marie Louise, DVC Administration and Finance and Deputy President of ULK, Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda, were also introduced. The university directors were acknowledged, including Dr. Nkundabaramye Vincent, Director of Quality Assurance; Dr. Mugabe Roger, Director of Students’ Affairs; Mr. Rugwizangoga Emmanuel, Director of Academics; and Mr. Mukunzi Desire, Director of Academic Services for Gisenyi Campus.
The Vice Chancellor continued by presenting the deans, such as Prof. Dr. Rufus Jaya Kumar, Dean of the School of Economics and Business Studies; Dr. Musabe Jean Bosco, Dean of the School of Science and Technology; and Dr. Faida Paison, Dean of the School of Education. He also introduced the heads of departments, including Nsabimana William (Finance), Nyirakageme Alice (Accounting), Ndiyaye Innocent (Law), Rutarinda Jean Pierre (Computer Science), and Rukundo Desire (Education), among others.
Representing ULK Polytechnic, the principal introduced key figures from UPI, including Mr. Balinda Daniel and others from the departments of administration and finance, academic affairs, and student affairs, as well as the heads of departments.
Later, the Founder and President of ULK, Professor Dr. Rwigamba Balinda, addressed the gathering, including the directors, deans, technicians, and students.
He began with a prayer for blessings on the new academic year 2024-2025 and thanked the Almighty for the opportunity to embark on this new journey. Professor Dr. RWIGAMBA Balinda praised the university’s past graduates from both ULK and UPI, noting their success across the private and public sectors in Rwanda and beyond.
He encouraged the new students to follow in their seniors’ footsteps and emphasized the importance of having a conscience, quoting the saying, “Science sans conscience n’est que ruine de l’âme” (Science without conscience is but the ruin of the soul).
Prof. Dr. RWIGAMBA Balinda stressed that the first thing students need to understand is ULK’s philosophy which can be found on the university’s website. He called on them to commit to excellence, highlighting three key principles. First, he urged students to have faith in God, in themselves, and in Rwanda, which he referred to as their second home country. This faith, he said, would provide them with the internal strength necessary to achieve their goals. Second, he encouraged them to strive to become excellent students. Third, he emphasized the importance of ethical values, noting that without them, the future would face challenges.
He also introduced the Director of Academics and the body responsible for student affairs, encouraging students to approach them with any concerns. He assured the students that their well-being is a top priority, and any issues would be addressed promptly.
Professor Dr. RWIGAMBA Balinda urged students from francophone backgrounds to learn English, as it is the language of instruction at ULK. He made it clear that fighting, cheating, or any other form of misbehavior would not be tolerated, as these actions are incompatible with the pursuit of excellence.
To conclude, he announced the highly anticipated campus hostels project, informing the students that the new facilities were ready to accommodate them. He then extended a special welcome to all international students, encouraging them to feel at home in Rwanda.
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