Professor George Mondo Kagonyera, Chancellor of the East African University Rwanda (EAUR), has urged graduates to combine their academic qualifications with courage, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility to society.

He made the remarks on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during EAUR’s seventh graduation ceremony held at Intare Conference Arena in Kigali.

Kagonyera told graduates that completing their studies marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, bringing greater responsibility to contribute to society.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life and a greater responsibility to society,” he said.

He noted that academic qualifications could open doors to employment and other opportunities, but encouraged graduates to take initiative and uphold ethical values as they pursue their careers.

“Your qualifications will open the doors, but your initiative, courage and integrity will determine how you move forward,” Kagonyera said.

The Chancellor highlighted the importance of integrity across different professions, including engineering, medicine and accounting, emphasising that professional knowledge should go hand in hand with ethical conduct.

He encouraged graduates to use their education responsibly and apply their skills in ways that benefit the communities they serve.

“However much knowledge you have, you must also uphold integrity in the work you do,” he said.