The East African University Rwanda (EAUR) has urged female first-year students to remain focused on their academic ambitions, make responsible decisions and take advantage of university opportunities as they begin their higher education journey.
The call was made on November 6, 2026, during the ‘Menya N’ibi’ initiative, organised by the Girls Leaders Forum (GLF) in collaboration with EAUR. The initiative aimed to help female students adapt to university life, understand potential challenges and make informed decisions throughout their academic journey.
Speaking at the event, Irabizi Viviane, EAUR’s Public Relations and Communications Specialist, said the programme provided an opportunity to introduce new students to the university’s activities, support systems and extracurricular opportunities.
She explained that students were introduced to different platforms where they could develop their talents and interests, including student media, environmental clubs, religious groups and other university activities.
Viviane added that the engagement also enabled the university to understand students’ expectations and identify ways to address their needs. Former students were invited to share their experiences, highlighting how they managed to balance academic responsibilities with work and family life.
She encouraged the newcomers to set clear goals for their three- or four-year university journey and remain committed to achieving them.
Meanwhile, Aline Kabatesi, Director of Campus at EAUR, highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that the transition from secondary school to university comes with greater independence and additional responsibilities.
She observed that students may face social pressures and distractions that could affect their academic performance if they lose focus. Among the challenges affecting young women are academic difficulties, university dropouts and unintended pregnancies.
Kabatesi emphasised that the first year is a critical foundation for students’ academic success, urging them to take their studies seriously from the beginning.
She further revealed that EAUR and GLF intend to maintain engagement with the students through follow-up sessions each semester or after an academic year. These sessions will help identify challenges such as tuition fee difficulties, harassment and unintended pregnancies, while connecting students with appropriate support services and institutions.
Liliane Igiraneza, Minister of Gender and Social Affairs in the Guild Council, said the ‘Menya N’ibi’ initiative was specifically designed for female first-year students to help them understand the responsibilities that come with university life.
She explained that moving from the structured environment of secondary school to the greater independence of university requires students to become more responsible, open-minded and thoughtful about their decisions.
Igiraneza added that GLF would continue working with EAUR to monitor students’ welfare and follow up on challenges they may encounter during their studies.
Through the initiative, EAUR and GLF seek to ensure that female students not only begin their university education but also develop the confidence, discipline and awareness needed to complete their studies and prepare for life beyond campus.
The programme reinforced the message that university success goes beyond academic ability, requiring clear goals, responsible decision-making and the willingness to seek support when challenges arise.
