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Twenty-six Nigerian students from the African Leadership University (ALU) were among the graduates celebrated by President Paul Kagame during a ceremony held in Kigali, Rwanda. Guests including the Minister of Education for Rwanda, Dr. Gaspard Twagirayezu, and the Mayor of Kigali City, Samuel Dusengiyumva, joined in recognizing the achievements of these young leaders.
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The ceremony honoured 431 graduates from 30 African countries, the largest cohort in ALU’s history. Degrees conferred included Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Entrepreneurship, Global Challenges, International Business and Trade, and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science. Among the graduates were recipients of the ALU-Patoranking Scholarship, sponsored by Nigerian musician Patoranking, which supports equitable access to education for young African changemakers.
In Africa, we have the means to solve our problems – Kagame
In his address, President Kagame emphasized the importance of African solutions for African problems:
“This one-of-a-kind institution reminds us that, in Africa, we have the means to solve our problems. The uncomfortable truth is that we rely too much on others to tell us what to do and, more often than not, we pay a hefty price as a consequence. We need to take responsibility for what belongs to us and have a sense of identity in doing so. It all begins with how we teach our children and shape their mindsets and sense of ownership for Africa’s future. ALU is a trailblazer because it has invested in building a new generation of critical thinkers and innovators here on our continent.”
During the event, President Kagame was awarded the ALU Honorary Certificate of Merit for Exemplary Entrepreneurial Leadership, recognizing his contributions to Rwanda’s development and his support of ALU.
ALU, with campuses in Kigali and Mauritius, aims to develop 3 million ethical and entrepreneurial African leaders by 2035 through mission-led study and work experience.
ALU is reinforcing connections with people in Africa and rest of the world – Nigerian Ayanfe
Oreoluwa Ayanfe Ayo-fisher, an International Business & Trade graduate from Nigeria, expressed gratitude for ALU’s support:
“I am deeply grateful to the African Leadership University for its unwavering support and encouragement as I challenged myself to become the change that I want to see in the world. I’ve been able to reinforce connections and build new relationships with people in Africa, the US, and the rest of the world. This ceremony was a reminder that our generation holds the immense passion, vision, and determination needed to solve Africa’s challenges and seize its greatest opportunities.”
The graduation festivities began with Asante Sana Day, a celebratory event for graduates and their supporters. The main ceremony featured speeches by Veda Sunassee, CEO of ALU, and Fred Swaniker, co-founder of ALU. Sunassee highlighted the brilliance and potential of the graduates, while Swaniker emphasized the importance of skills over content mastery in today’s job market.
Computer Science graduate Millicent Malinga delivered an inspiring speech, and the Unsung Leader Awards recognized individuals dedicated to nurturing the next generation of African leaders. Celebrations concluded with ALU Homecoming Day, where alumni gathered for various festivities. ALU’s latest Impact Report revealed that its alumni have started 140 ventures, created over 44,000 jobs, and raised nearly US$6 million.
