HUYE - The long awaited distribution of degree certificates to former students of the National University of Rwanda (NUR) did not pass without incident.

The process planned last week was poorly coordinated leading to an outcry from many who had travelled from all corners of the country to beat the October 9 deadline set for issuance of the certficates.

The New Times established  that staff at the office of the registrar were  overwhelmed by the big turn up of students who graduated between 1995 -2008. Snaking queues formed at the distribution office.

This was not all; lists of graduates compiled by the office and posted on the University website contained a lot of errors.

"The list posted on the website indicated that I was cleared to pick my degree certificate, after having to pay the Rwf10 000 as required but I got a shock of my life when I was told that my certificate could not be traced,” said a furious former student who preferred anonymity.

Some students who graduated in the said period could not find their names on any of the lists compiled by the university authorities.

"The whole process is mired with irregularities,” said one former student who had travelled all the way from the Northern Province.

"The lists posted on the website indicated that I was free to pick my certificate but on arrival I was asked to pay for a book which they claim I did not return, I didn’t have time to complain,I had to pay for this  grudgingly.”

Various former students who talked to The New Times labeled the whole process ‘slow’ and ‘tiring’.

"The process is too slow. I came here early in the morning but it is now late in the afternoon I have not been served,” said Theophile Tuyishime.

Dr Aloys Ruzibiza, the NUR Registrar, talking to The New Times explained that many of those who missed getting their certificates had outstanding issues to settle with the university.

"For instance there are also cases of students who were studying under the private scheme who did not clear the outstanding tuition and other monies, they will be required to clear with the university before they can receive their certificates,” Ruzibiza added.

He attributed the long queues to the last minute rush by students to pick their certificates.

About 3500 certificates have been distributed in the last three weeks while less than 1400 are yet to be claimed. 

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