The Ministry of Education has apologized after an administrative error meant one of the country’s top-performing O-Level students missed a ceremony where outstanding candidates were publicly recognised.
Uwamariya Léontine, a student at ISF Nyamasheke, scored 98.7% in the 2025/2026 national O-Level examinations, tying for the top position nationally with Musonga Isimbi Olla of FAWE Girls School.
Musonga attended the ceremony and received her award, but Uwamariya was not there. Her absence quickly drew attention, with questions being raised about how a student who had jointly achieved the country’s highest score could miss an event specifically organised to honour the best-performing candidates.
The issue also sparked criticism on social media. Journalist Nadia Mugunga, writing on X, said the ministry’s later decision to invite Uwamariya for recognition came “after mounting public pressure” over her exclusion from the ceremony.
The reaction also raised broader questions about how the ministry contacts and verifies top-performing students before major national events, particularly a ceremony that was broadcast nationally.
The Ministry of Education later clarified that Uwamariya had not been deliberately left out. It said officials failed to reach her because the contact details recorded in the education system were incorrect.
Speaking on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) television, State Minister for Education Claudette Irere apologised for the mistake.
“We apologise for the mistake that led to Uwamariya Léontine not being publicly recognised on the day the results of the 2025/2026 national examinations were announced.”
Irere said the ministry had taken steps to correct the situation and ensure that Uwamariya received the recognition she deserved.
The incident has since put a spotlight on the systems used to maintain student records and communicate with candidates and their families.
While the ministry has moved to correct the immediate omission, the episode has also raised questions about whether stronger verification checks are needed to ensure that inaccurate contact details do not prevent students from being recognised at major national education events.
