MUSANZE – Students at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry-ISAE Busogo have demanded that the institute should be in position to award more students degrees instead of diplomas.

"The Minister of Education should help us, we are enrolled here with hope of acquiring degrees just like others who join public universities, but we are restricted to three years and end up with diplomas,”  Ernex Kayiranga, one of the students leaders said.  

The students were presenting their case before legislators from the parliamentary ad hoc committee, which was set up to assess the quality of education in government and private higher institutions of learning.

Only 30% out of the 2,300 students at ISAE-Busogo, are allowed to study for five year degree programmes. The rest of the students get mere diplomas after completing three years.

Students further complained that the strict academic regulations have forced many students to repeat classes or drop out.

According to sources from the school, 78 students were dismissed this year alone and more than 100 repeated. The University scrapped the system of supplementary exams which would give underperforming students a second chance.

Out going students complained of delays in receiving their internship bursary.  The students said that the bursary which is meant to facilitate their internships is received after completing the internship.

The head of the five-member committee, Adolf Bazatoha said, the committee established that the institution faces infrastructure challenges, including poor living conditions of the students.

MP Emmanuel Mudidi, who is also the former Rector of Kigali Institute of Education, challenged students to strive to excel in their academic endeavours.

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