L’Institut universitaire des Lacs de Kirundo (IULKI) held its inaugural graduation ceremony on Friday, September 18, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the institution. The event took place in Kirundo and was presided over by the Ombudsman of Burundi, Aimé Laurentine Kanyana. This ceremony celebrated the first cohort of graduates from IULKI, an institution established to contribute to national development. Ms. Kanyana’s presence showed the importance of the university’s role in the region and its impact on the educational landscape. The organization of this graduation ceremony by L’Institut universitaire des Lacs de Kirundo (IULKI) itself noted the institution's growing capacity and commitment to its mission.
Graduation Ceremony Notes
The Kirundo University of Lakes (IULKI) celebrated the graduation of its first cohort, comprising 120 students. This milestone follows the university's opening in 2018. The institution is situated in the commune of Kirundo, within the province of Butanyerera. The graduation ceremony acknowledged these 120 students as the inaugural group to complete their studies at IULKI since its establishment. These students constitute the very first cohort to successfully complete their academic programs at the university, a testament to the institution's foundational years. The university’s location in Butanyerera province shows its regional presence and contribution to local educational development, providing a vital resource for the surrounding communities. The event marked a significant point in the university's history, noting its progression since welcoming its first students and now producing its first set of qualified professionals.
Mission to Serve Local Youth
The Ombudsman, Aimé Laurentine Kanyana, called on the graduates, known as laureates, to serve as role models within their professional fields and to contribute tangibly to Burundi's national development. Ms. Kanyana emphasized that the university's establishment in Kirundo aligns with the broader objective of making various essential services more accessible to the local population. She noted that the university's presence in Kirundo directly contributes to the goal of bringing vital educational services closer to the community. She noted that previously, some young people were unable to pursue university studies due to financial constraints. The university aims to address these challenges by providing educational opportunities closer to home, thereby democratizing access to higher education. This initiative directly tackles the issue where a lack of financial means previously prevented many aspiring students from continuing their academic journeys.
Call for Continued Support
The university's establishment originated from an initiative by natives of the former Kirundo province, working in collaboration with administrative authorities. This collaborative effort was key in bringing the institution to fruition. Ombudsman Aimé Laurentine Kanyana stated that the institution still requires support, specifically for acquiring essential equipment such as benches, teaching materials, and accommodation infrastructure. She stressed that continued investment is vital for the university to enhance its facilities and provide an optimal learning environment for its growing student body. Governor Segasago Victor thanked the government of Burundi for its contributions to the university's construction. The government's support included the provision of cement, metal materials, and other necessary equipment for the project, demonstrating a strong commitment to the university's foundational development.
Governor's Vision for Future
The Governor of Butanyerera province, Segasago Victor, stated that the establishment of the university presents a significant opportunity for young people who have completed secondary studies. Governor Victor noted that prior to the university's opening, students were often compelled to travel considerable distances to access higher education. This included journeys to university institutions located in Muyinga, Ngozi, and the capital city, Bujumbura, posing both financial and logistical burdens on students and their families. The presence of Kirundo University of Lakes (IULKI) in the province is intended to alleviate these challenges, offering a local and accessible option for higher learning. The university's strategic location now serves as a beacon of educational advancement, reducing the need for students to relocate far from their homes to pursue their academic aspirations.