The event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, highlighted the impact of a collaboration that has helped hundreds of Rwandan students access higher education opportunities and leadership training over the past 20 years.
In his remarks, President Kagame welcomed the university’s leadership, faculty and staff, thanking them for their continued support to Rwanda’s education sector.
“To the alumni community present tonight, keep representing us well,” Kagame said. “If you ever need anything, do not shy away from asking. We are here for you.”
He also urged graduates to support future generations through mentorship, saying Rwanda’s growing global network should serve as “a national platform for opportunity creation.”
The President paid tribute to Dr. Mike E. O’Neal, who served as the fifth president of Oklahoma Christian University from 2002 to 2012, and his wife, Nancy O’Neal, describing them as instrumental figures in the partnership’s foundation.
“I first met Mike and Nancy when they visited Rwanda with Richard Lawson and his wife back in 2004,” Kagame said. “No one could have imagined that a discussion about Rwanda’s education ambitions would culminate in the long-standing and meaningful relationship we have today.”
The partnership began yielding results in 2006 when the first 10 Rwandan students travelled to study at Oklahoma Christian University through the Presidential Scholars Program.
The initiative has since produced more than 700 alumni who now serve in strategic leadership positions, including senior government officials and private sector executives.
He noted that the success of the Presidential Scholars Program has also inspired other universities to extend scholarship opportunities to privately funded Rwandan students.
Kagame expressed confidence in the future of the collaboration, citing ongoing initiatives such as an MBA program and preparations for a new study-abroad initiative.
“One of the most important legacies of this partnership is that Rwanda is now home to several world-class institutions,” he said. “This aligns perfectly with our country’s vision of becoming a regional hub for innovation.”
The Head of State emphasised the importance of investing in Africa’s young people through quality education and practical skills development.
“We often talk about Africa having an abundance of talent, but the conversation cannot end there,” Kagame said. “It is important to follow this with action and equip our young people with the knowledge and skills to compete with the rest of the world.”
He added that such investments are essential for building sustainable economic growth and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening ties with the university.
“Twenty years is a special milestone. Let’s keep working together to write the next chapter of our journey,” Kagame said.
Speaking at the gala, John deSteiguer, Oklahoma Christian University Chancellor, said the partnership has evolved significantly since the launch of the Presidential Scholars Program.
“Beginning with the Presidential Scholars, our partnership has grown to include the establishment of the OC Learning Centre in Kigali, the expansion of online graduate and undergraduate programs, partnerships with organisations, institutions, and national leaders, and most importantly, students whose lives have been transformed through education, values, and community,” he said.
DeSteiguer revealed that enrollment in Oklahoma Christian programs offered in Rwanda increased by more than 60 percent this year alone, describing the growth as a reflection of Rwanda’s investment in education and leadership development.
“That 60 percent is not just a statistic,” he said. “That represents individuals, leaders, professionals, and future changemakers who are investing in their education, but they’re also investing in the future of their country.”
He said the partnership matters because education transforms lives and strengthens institutions, while relationships built on trust can help shape the future.
DeSteiguer also announced plans for the launch of three new academic programs in Rwanda, pending approval from the Rwanda Higher Education Council.
The proposed programs include a Bachelor of Science in Business Leadership Technology, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, and a Master of Science in Project Management.
The new programs, he said, are designed to align with Rwanda’s growth, innovation, and workforce development priorities.
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