Three universities have announced plans to open learning centres in Karongi District.

They are Independent Institute of Lay Adventist of Kigali (INILAK) and two others owned by the Association of Pentecostal churches and the Adventist Church, respectively.

This would bring the number of institutions of higher learning in the area to four after the Kigali Health Institute (KHI), which is already operational.

INILAK’s Rector Jean Ngamije told The New Times that the move is aimed at bringing educational services closer to upcountry students.

"There are reasonably high numbers of students who hail from upcountry and our ambition is to bring the services we offer closer to them,” Ngamije stated in a telephone conversation.

He explained that his institution has already secured premises but were awaiting for a go ahead by the district authorities.

"We are ready and fully equipped, only waiting for approval from the district authorities. It’s possible for us to begin as soon as the next academic year starts,” said he.

Karongi Mayor Bernard Kayumba told The New Times yesterday that the move was a welcome development.

"The commencement of these universities will be a major boost in solving the education crisis that has rocked our district for long,” Kayumba said.

Some of the courses to be taught at the institutions include Nursing, Law Development, Computer Science, Management and Administration.

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