As the number of students joining public universities increases by the year, and construction of new facilities getting more expensive, the Rwandan government is considering to partner with private investors in the construction of new buildings for which they will on a long-term basis. Dr Charles Murigande, the education minister was asked to appear before senators to explain issues appearing in a report by the senatorial committee for social affairs. The report highlighted major challenges facing the education the sector. Among issues raised by the Senators in the 69-page report is the shortage of buildings as the number of students joining public universities continues to grow each year.
The Senators cited the National University of Rwanda (NUR) which has facilities meant to accommodate only 2,000 students and today has over 10,000 students. The senatorial report said ISAE Busogo has infrastructure for 400 but has a population of over 2,500 students.” It is indeed true; the number of students joining university has more than doubled in the last few years. Unfortunately we don't have the capacity to double the facilities. It requires time and enough resources and currently these are not available," Murigande told the Senators.