63,090 Students Put Skills to the Test as National Practical Exams Begin

Across Rwanda, over 63,000 senior secondary school students are taking part in national practical exams, marking a major step in their academic journeys—and a powerful demonstration of hands-on learning in action.

On Monday, May 19, the Ministry of Education, through the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), launched the 2025 national practical exams. These assessments, which will run through June 6, involve students from Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs), Technical Secondary Schools (TSSs), Nursing Schools, Accounting programs, and science streams.

The official ceremony took place at ESSA Nyarugunga in Kigali’s Kicukiro District, where State Minister for Education Claudette Irere encouraged students to approach the exams with confidence and calm.

“These exams are simply an extension of what you’ve been taught,” she told students. “You’ve completed your curricula, you’ve practiced, and now it’s time to show what you’ve learned. Don’t fear the process—believe in yourselves.”

This year’s exams include an important milestone: for the first time, students in science tracks will undertake hands-on assessments, primarily in laboratory settings. In previous years, these students only answered written questions about practical work. The change is part of Rwanda’s broader shift toward competency-based education, which emphasizes real-world application of knowledge.

In Kicukiro District alone, 1,987 students are taking part in the exams across nine centers, with 516 based at ESSA Nyarugunga.

Among them is Adelic Dusengimana, a final-year student specializing in culinary arts, who expressed pride and determination as she prepared for her exam. “Our teachers have guided us through so many practical exercises. Now, it’s our chance to prove ourselves,” she said. “Success starts with believing in yourself. Our parents have sacrificed to support us, and we want to make them proud.”

Adelic also shared her vision of using the skills she’s gained to create her own business. “We don’t have to wait for jobs. What we’ve learned allows us to be independent—whether it’s baking cakes or preparing coffee, we can start something with even the smallest resources.”

Minister Irere reinforced that mindset, stressing the role of vocational education in building a workforce ready to contribute directly to the country’s development. “Our nation needs more technicians,” she said. “These students won’t just enter the job market—they’ll shape it. Many will become entrepreneurs and even job creators.”

According to NESA, the practical exams are designed to assess more than just knowledge—they measure students’ skills, attitudes, and readiness to apply what they’ve learned. The initiative is a key part of Rwanda’s Competency-Based Training (CBT) curriculum, which has been implemented nationwide since 2017 in partnership with the Workforce Development Authority (WDA).

As the exams continue, education officials are urging all candidates to remain focused and composed. Minister Irere offered a final message of encouragement: “To all students—those from local schools and independent candidates—you’ve come this far. Trust your preparation, stay calm, and give it your best. We believe in you.”