{Senators have expressed concern over lack of accommodation for University of Rwanda students describing it as a threat to the quality of education if nothing is done to address the issue.}
The concern was raised yesterday as senators debated issues raised in the parliamentary commission for social welfare and human rights report that assessed government activities directed to higher learning institutions and universities.
Lack of students’ accommodation was among top worrying challenges raised in the report.
Senator Musabeyezu Naricisse raised an issue of students who live in ghettos.
“Let’s be sincere. Students can’t attain quality education when they are living in squalid conditions. Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) students and others living in Biryogo, experience a sorry state of accommodation which can’t allow them to concentrate and pass well,” he said.
Another senator Mukasine Marie Claire expressed shock; “What we saw doesn’t rhyme with the current national progress.”
Senator Ntawukuriryayo Jean Damascène also noted that the issue requires pragmatic solutions and special attention.
“It is not possible to attain quality education yet students live in ghettos,” he said.
The Senate president, Bernard Makuza has said the matter is worrying but urged managers of higher learning institutions and universities to respect laws.
“I remind proprietors of higher learning institutions and universities that they have to comply with the Presidential order no 51/01 of 13 July 2010 which spells out facilities required for higher leaning institutions including; lecture rooms, playgrounds, laboratory equipment, and accommodation,” he said.
Senators have also stressed the need to increase the monthly living allowances of Rwf 25,000 to match the current cost of living.
The University of Rwanda has capacity to accommodate only 12% of 3,812 student population 9% of who are girls.
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