SOUTHERN PROVINCE

Faculty Dean suspended for insubordination

HUYE — The National University of Rwanda (NUR) has dismissed five students over violent conduct, drug abuse and Genocide ideology.

The university Rector, Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, in a telephone interview confirmed the dismissal, saying the decision was reached in a bid to protect other members of the university community.

"We cannot tolerate lawlessness at the university. Students have to know that they are bound by the rules and regulations that govern the university and we shall not hesitate to pick out the ‘rotten apples’ from the good ones.”

Some of the cases of violence that our sources cited include, a recent stabbing of one student who was seriously wounded and another case in which a female student, who is among those dismissed, allegedly threatened a Genocide survivor student with a knife, traumatising the latter.

In another case, another student, Innocent Hakizimana alias ‘Master Fire’, who is also a local artiste, was suspended for two academic years for showing disrespect to the Minister of State in Primary and Secondary Education, Theoneste Mutsindashyaka, during his visit to the university in April.

Meanwhile, in another move seen as a bid to curb uncontrolled drinking and the resultant misconduct, the disciplinary committee on April 28 2009 resolved that the university canteen closes by midnight.

"The university population is now in the region of 10, 000 students. Measures have to be taken to ensure peaceful co-existence,” said Magnus Kirori, a director in the Rector’s office.

In a related development, the university management has resolved to suspend Prof. Herbert Nsanze, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, over what the Rector, described as ‘serious’ insubordination.

"We have set up a committee to investigate the conduct of the Dean. Appropriate action will be taken after the committee has completed its work,” said Lwakabamba.

Another senior official, Camille Dusabimana, the director of the school of modern languages (EPLM) has been sacked over alleged gross mismanagement and poor inter-personal skills.

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