Rwanda Education Board (REB) has announced a plan of following up cases of first year students at the University of Rwanda who have started selling Laptops they were given as loan for which they have to pay in installments.
Students at College of Business and Economics (CBE) using the laptops provided on loan guarantee told IGIHE that their mates started selling the laptops since they already had other laptops or want to buy different quality of laptops.
“I know one colleague who immediately sold the laptop provided on a REB loan as he had another one. I also plan to sell the donated laptop since I couldn’t deny it while I am obliged to pay for it,” said one student.
“Most of these laptops provided by REB are for sale even though it is not easy to find clients, “disclosed another student. Students said that they will lack clients when REB distributes many laptops among students.
They told IGIHE journalist that the price of these laptops on black markets ranges between Rwf 70,000 and 100,000 yet they are valued at Rwf240,000.
The Ministry of Education explains that donating these laptops is meant to facilitate university students during their studies.
The director of Rwanda Education Board, Janvier Gasana told IGIHE that they didn’t know the matter of students involved in selling the laptops adding that they are going to make a follow up.
“It would be sad if anyone sold a laptop provide on loan. We are going to follow up the matter and punish the culprits,” he said.
Materials of these laptops are matched in Rwanda by Positivo BGH plant and are being distributed among students by Africa Smart Investment Distributor in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Students in need of such laptop have to first make agreements with the bank facilitating him/her to get it and pay Rwf 17,000 per month for 18 months.
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