Labour Day 2025 at INES-Ruhengeri: A Celebration of Purpose, Service, and Progress

On 1st May 2025, the INES-Ruhengeri community joined the global celebration of International Labour Day, transforming the occasion into a purposeful gathering of reflection, recognition, and institutional pride.

This year's Labour Day was more than a symbolic event; it was an opportunity to highlight the people behind INES’ daily operations, review progress across academic units, and honour individuals who embody the institution’s core values.

The event was officially opened by Dr UWILINGIYIMANA Charline, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research (DVCAR), who reminded attendees that work done with purpose, professionalism, and student-centred service is the foundation of any lasting impact.

During the Labour Day 2025 celebration, each faculty at INES-Ruhengeri took the stage to share progress and reaffirm their strategic goals. The Faculty of Health Sciences, under the leadership of Dr HABYARIMANA Thierry, showcased the launch of six new programmes aimed at reinforcing Rwanda’s healthcare system through applied and practice-oriented education. The Faculty of Economics, Social Sciences, and Management, led by Dr MPAKANIYE Jean Paul, highlighted its rich legacy as the institution’s oldest faculty and its continued role in shaping future economists and entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, under Dr TWIZERE Moussa, emphasised the importance of innovation in areas such as Civil Engineering, Architecture, Biotechnologies, and Water Engineering—fields critical to national development.

The Faculty of Education, represented by Mr Laurent NIZEYIMANA, focused on the Language Department and Language Centre, underscoring the need for improved pedagogy and communication skills. The Faculty of Law and Public Administration, through Mr Jean Marie Vianney SIKUBWABO, reaffirmed its mission to train ethical leaders and advance good governance. Dr HABIMANA Theodore, representing the Faculty of Information Sciences and Technology, stressed the increasing relevance of data, artificial intelligence, and digital systems in today's world. The day’s presentations concluded with Mr HABUFITE Emmanuel, Director of Planning, who provided a strategic overview of INES’ 12 directorates, each contributing to the university’s operational efficiency and pursuit of quality education.

On this day, staff members across INES-Ruhengeri took part in voting to recognise their peers who exemplify dedication and excellence in their roles. As a result, Dr HABYARIMANA Thierry, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, was named Best Academic Employee of the Year in honour of his leadership and commitment to expanding healthcare education at INES. Mr GASIRABO Evariste, Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research, received the award for Best Administrative Employee of the Year, a reflection of his professionalism, reliability, and valued support within the institution’s administrative framework.

Labour Day is celebrated worldwide as a tribute to the dignity of work and the people whose efforts sustain communities, economies, and institutions. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the value of human contribution across every field. At INES-Ruhengeri, Labour Day goes beyond celebration; it is a time to reflect deeply on how we are living out our mission as an institution of Applied Sciences. It challenges us to assess the relevance of our work, the quality of our service, and above all, to reaffirm that the student remains at the centre of every action we take.