- The scheme was unveiled to the students’ community at Makerere University
- It will enable learners carry out their research projects and other assignments.
Students at Makerere University can now acquire brand new laptops with ease, thanks to a new financing scheme reached between Stanbic Bank and Makerere University management.
The scheme was unveiled to the students’ community at Makerere University and will provide student financing for the purchase of laptops to enable learners carry out their research projects and other assignments.
According to Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive Anne Juuko, the pandemic has changed the way learning is delivered to students and the learning institutions must adjust to this new normal.
With the scheme in place, one can now access a loan and pay UGX58,000 in monthly installments over a three-year period to obtain laptop priced at UGX2.1 million,
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has noted that Makerere has a population of 35, 000 students with potential to take advantage of this offering.
He urged the student leadership to sensitize the student community to take advantage of this unique offering
“With the computer and with data, you are truly a global citizen, you can attend classes from any university,” Nawangwe said.
He said, Africa is on the move, mainly because of the large number of young and brilliant people.
“You are the cream of Africa because you are in the top University; the future of Africa is in your hands,” he said.
He however, cautioned individuals that have continued to opposing online learning.
He noted that persons holding such a view are seeking policies that will make the country remain backward.
He added, “The world is moving and we are moving in what is called the information/digital era. You are either digital or stone age. We are not going to allow you to remain behind because we do not want Africa doomed. That is why I’m very happy with Stanbic Bank and especially the CEO for your vibrancy in addressing the issues that affect our country; this initiative that you have taken will ensure that the education system comes to life.”
For her part, The University’s Guild President, Shamim Nambassa, noted that, when the University was closed due to COVID-19, they kept asking themselves about the whereabouts of a laptop bank, but little did “we know that Stanbic Bank would bring us the laptop bank.”
Nambassa said, “Stanbic Bank, you have given the education system meaning with this offering. “It is now time to say that we the students are the cream of Africa in line with Makerere University’s 100 years’ celebration theme of building a transformed society.”