Kigali, President Paul Kagame has praised the long-standing Rwanda–Oklahoma Christian University partnership, describing it as a transformative education collaboration that has played a significant role in shaping national leadership and strengthening Rwanda’s human capital over the past two decades.
He made the remarks on Saturday during celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Presidential Scholars Program, a flagship initiative that began in 2006 with only ten Rwandan students selected to study at Oklahoma Christian University in the United States.
At present, the program has grown into a strong alumni network of more than 700 graduates who are serving in strategic leadership positions across government institutions, the private sector, and other key development sectors.
President Kagame, who attended the event with First Lady Jeannette Kagame, praised the long-standing collaboration, saying it has evolved beyond academic exchange into a sustained investment in leadership development and national transformation.
President Kagame said the partnership reflects the strong value of sustained international education cooperation and its important role in strengthening national capacity. In the remarks, He urged alumni to remain active contributors to national development, emphasizing mentorship and responsibility toward future generations of scholars.
Furthermore, He encouraged the alumni community to continue representing the country well, adding that they should not hesitate to seek support when needed, and reaffirmed that they remain available to support them.
The President further encouraged graduates to mentor upcoming scholars, stressing that the global alumni network should serve as a platform for opportunity creation and leadership growth.
Kagame also highlighted Rwanda’s broader education ambitions, noting that such partnerships have contributed to positioning the country as a growing hub for higher education and innovation in the region.
He noted that one of the key legacies of the partnership is Rwanda’s growing number of world-class institutions, which aligns with the country’s ambition to become a regional hub for innovation.
“Twenty years is a special milestone. Let’s keep working together to write the next chapter of our Journey.” He added.
The Chancellor of Oklahoma Christian University, John deSteiguer, noted that the partnership has progressively expanded beyond its initial scope, evolving into a wider academic collaboration that has helped introduce new programmes and boost overall student enrollment over time.
He added that “Rwanda is not just a place you go to visit. It’s a place that stays with you.”
An alumnus representative said the program has produced graduates who are now making meaningful contributions across multiple sectors, adding that true impact is measured not by titles but by lives changed through leadership, science, creativity, and excellence.
Over the past 20 years, the partnership has continued to expand educational opportunities for Rwandan students, with stakeholders pledging to strengthen collaboration and build on its achievements for future generations.
As Rwanda marks this milestone, the Rwanda–Oklahoma Christian University partnership stands as a model of how sustained international cooperation in education can contribute to leadership development, national progress, and long-term transformation.
