UCK students boycott classes

SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA — students at the Catholic University of Kabgayi (UCK) have reportedly boycotted classes until a consensus is reached with the university administration over increased graduation requirements. The row comes as a result of an announcement made on March 22, which stipulated that the university had increased charges for graduation based on resolution of a meeting held on 22nd November 2008. The increased fees included an increment in fees of Completion of under Graduate Circle (TFC), and Dissertations; from Rwf.100,000 to 130,000 and Rwf.20,000 to 65,000 respectively. The New Times has learnt that 4th year students have, since Tuesday March 24, refused to attend classes. The affected students wrote to the university administration demanding for proper explanations about the increment. However reports indicated that both parties have failed to come to a consensus. In a communiqué posted on March 26th Fr. Vincent Kagabo, the rector of UCK, said that the fees are compulsory to all students in academic year 2009 and asked the students to comply with the decision based on the university act No.537/UCK/CA/MO/2008 which guides the conduct of students. Kagabo apparently warned the concerned students to resume class or else face disciplinary measures. The students had earlier on threatened to stage a public demonstration if the university administration did not consider their plea. “We have failed to come to a consensus with the administration. We have no choice but to boycott classes. We are thus ready to face the consequences with no fear,” a student said on condition of anonymity. Some students have termed the university decision as ‘authoritative’ and ‘forceful’, stating that the stalemate needs the intervention of the ministry of education. Students in the other academic years have apparently continued with their normal class sessions. Ends