KARONGI- University students whose bursaries were recently scrapped by the Rwanda Students’ Finance Agency (SFAR) were, yesterday, urged to help local authorities to effectively identify those who rightfully deserve the bursaries.

The call was made by the Western Province Governor, Celestin Kabahizi, during a consultative meeting between local leaders and student representatives from the National University of Rwanda (NUR).

"We want to share with you all the necessary information because you are part of the process to correct the mistakes that were made while compiling the bursary lists,” Kabahizi told the students.

He acknowledged that some errors were indeed made but pointed out that a swift process was underway to rectify them.

"The country’s development depends on educated minds like you, and that is why we urge you not to listen to baseless rumours that are not constructive,” he said.

Kabahizi revealed that next week, before schools reopen after the commemoration period, all verification exercises should be complete.

According to official statistics obtained from SFAR, 2,515 students in the Western Province have appealed against the decision to scrap their bursaries.

Only 1,391 are on the official sponsorship lists. Rusizi has the highest number while Rutsiro has the least.

Beatrice Mukankurunziza, a third year Agronomy student at NUR, explained that most students were not aware of the ongoing screening to identify those who genuinely deserved the stipend.

She pledged to do everything she could to ensure that her fellow students understand SFAR’s validation principles.

Ends