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In the last few days, some media reports have suggested that The National University of Rwanda (NUR)
has abruptly and unfairly demanded caution money (to the tune of 50,000rwfs) from students, starting
from the academic year 2012-2013. NUR denies these allegations of abruptness and unfairness.
Further, NUR would like to clarify this issue, in a response to circulations by a few students, who
apparently, do not (as will become clear below) represent the NUR Student Union (NURSU) view.
1. The caution fee is money a student pays as a “hold” for potential damage such a student may
incur on university property during his/her time as a student.
2. At the end of the student’s studies, and in the absence of any university property damage by the
same student, such money is returned in full.
3. Caution money is a common fee, in universities and even in high schools, virtually across the
entire world. Its application at NUR is long overdue.
4. The NUR Board of Directors (BOD), in a Board meeting of November 31st
2011, decided that NUR
students must pay an amount of 50,000rwf as caution money.
5. The decision was set to be effective beginning the academic year 2012-2013 (i.e. Sept. 2012).
6. NUR Student Union (NURSU) has two student representatives (NURSU President and Minister of
Gender Affairs) who sit on the NUR Board of Directors, as full members. These members
(among other responsibilities) inform and advise the rest of the student body on any new
decisions made by the board.
7. NUR Registrar’s office has recently posted a reminder on its website about the caution money.
8. NUR management (specifically VRAC) recently held a meeting with NURSU representatives
about the caution money issue.
9. In order to lighten the burden on students/parents, NUR offered the caution money be paid in
two equal installments of 25,000rwf at the beginning of each semester this year. This,
incidentally, is the upper limit frequency that our MIS computer program will accept.
10. The NUR Student Union Government (NURSU) accepted the entire above arrangement.
This is the background state of affairs regarding the NUR caution money fee. Thanks.
Prof. Manasse Mbonye
Vice Rector for academic Affairs, NUR
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