SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — Over 4,000 students who completed their studies at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) in 1995-2006 thronged the varsity campus early this week to sign for their degrees.

Following the October 15 deadline set by the university administration, the varsity Registrar’s office was packed as former students struggled to beat the deadline.

In Butare town, the impact was felt in eating joints and at transport agencies as they commuted to and from Butare.

According to the Varsity Registrar, Dr Aloys Ruzibiza, many students have previously failed to collect their degrees upon graduation, a practice that complicated administrative work.

"Since 1995, the university has seen a succession of different Rectors at the helm of the university. Failure to sign on the part of students meant a delay on the part of the Rector to sign on the degrees. Consequently it became difficult to get former Rectors to sign long after they had left the university,” said Ruzibiza.

Since reopening after the 1994 Genocide, NUR has had four Rectors. These are; Dr Charles Murigande, Dr Emile Rwamasirabo, Professor Chrisologue Karangwa and currently, Professor Silas Lwakabamba.

To clear the backlog, university authorities in July this year informed all former students who graduated in the period 1995-2006 to return to the university and sign on their degree certificates.

"It was resolved that the current Rector signs on all degrees from 1995-2006 so as to clear the backlog,” said Ruzibiza.

According to Dr Ruzibiza, the university is determined to process degrees much faster so that students can get them on graduation day.

"Times are changing and we have to change the way we conduct our business too. People who graduated in academic year 2007-2008 will get their degrees early next year while those completing this academic year will get theirs on graduation day,” said Dr Ruzibiza.

He dispelled rumours that people who do not beat the deadline will be asked to pay a fine.

"Such rumours are not true. We shall close the process today (yesterday) after which we shall make an evaluation of the process. People who could not come on time will be notified on when they have to come for their degrees,” he said.

Ruzibiza revealed that the degree certificates being issued bear the old varsity features like the logo, Motto and emblem but these will change with the new degree certificates to be issued out in future.

"The new university features like the logo will appear on subsequent degree certificates,” he said.

Many people who came to sign for their degrees expressed their frustration about the whole process.

"Officials were overwhelmed by the high turn out on the last day. I signed for my degree few days back but I have not been able to get it today (Wednesday) because of the large number of people wanting to be served,” said Willy Mugenzi, a former student at the university who graduated in 2006.

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