President Donald Ramotar yesterday pledged that his government will “exert all efforts” to strengthen the University of Guyana (UG) and urged a non-partisan discussion of the issues to ensure that the university is transformed into a world class academic institution.

As he addressed the 1,480 students who graduated from UG at the 46th convocation exercise, Ramotar acknowledged that among the challenges faced in improving the standards of the country’s only tertiary institution are financing, increasing access to the use of new technology and withstanding competition from other service providers.

At the university prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary next year, there has been a swirling debate about the need to retool the institution and the role of the government in the administration of the institution. One of the most critical areas that have bedevilled the university over the years has been financing.

The issues were recognized by the President yesterday even as hundreds of proud parents, relatives and friends flocked the parking lot of the Turkeyen Campus to share in the graduates’ happiness and success.

Technology major Safrawz Ban Hassan Sharief who was the best graduating Bachelor’s Degree student was named valedictorian. The Chancellor’s Medal for the second best graduating Bachelor’s Degree student was presented to Avinash Antonio Persaud while the Council of the University of Guyana prize for the graduating student who attained at least a ‘Pass with Credit’ and has made the greatest contribution in other areas of the university activities was awarded to Tricia Nolakumarie Teekah. Similarly, the University of Guyana Student’s Society award was presented to Rachel Bonie for her accomplishments.

Ramotar, in addressing the 46th convocation, said that in its 50 years of existence, UG has produced thousands of graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields of national development. “We have also produced scholars of repute who have distinguished themselves both at home and internationally. The University of Guyana has a proud record,” he said.

At the same time, the President stated that the institution has faced many challenges but has managed to adapt to the circumstances in order to register its years of accomplishments.

“This success has in great measure been due to the sustained commitment and resilience of its students, staff, faculty and of course, the support of the government. I want to assure you that this government will exert all efforts to strengthen the University of Guyana. We will continue to work with the council to provide support within our means to this institution. We are prepared to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the University of Guyana is transformed into a world class academic institution,” he pledged.

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Ramotar pointed out that building such an institution will take time since it calls for a lot of resources. “However, we must lay the foundation for the modernization and improvement of this university… we must pursue our goals of turning UG into a top class university among the best… creating such an institution is not one without challenges,” he stated.

There are significant challenges, Ramotar said, that stand in the way of these objectives with the most fundamental being resourcing the institution. The President said that the government does not have an unlimited stream of resources to fund the university and while the critical importance of higher education is realized, there is also an obligation to nursery, primary and secondary education. “If we neglect these levels, there will be an inadequate amount of students to fill this campus. As such, government has to continue to invest in education at the non-tertiary level as well as the tertiary level,” he explained.

The president recalled that in this year’s budget, $900 million was allocated to the university and the student’s loan programme was also funded by the government to the tune of $450 million. He added that through the university’s science and technology project, the sum of $2 billion will be injected over the next few years into the institution. “These resources will allow us to help the university improve its managerial and administrative capacities, fund research grants and promote science curricular reform. These funds will allow for the modernization of the labs, improve the conditions generally at the campus,” he said.

He also pointed out that through the government, the Caribbean Development Bank has provided a grant of US$250 000 to UG to institute a modern and operational framework consistent with a contemporary university. He disclosed that the consultants will be meeting with the university council this month to present their assessment and proposals.

Ramotar said that even with such commitments, there remains a need for more resources and he is hopeful that the university itself will explore means of raising funds.

Another challenge faced at UG, the president continued, is improving the quality of remuneration of lecturers in a way that will be sustainable and that will allow the university to attract the best personnel in order to enhance standards. He praised the academic staff of the institution while noting that mediocre lecturers will not be tolerated.

“I believe that addressing this important challenge is vital to developing a world class institution. It is a matter that requires dialogue. We have to sit down in an environment free of acrimony, free from partisan posturing to discuss important national issues such as this important institution. The overriding concern must be to develop our students and our country as a whole,” he stated.

Ramotar said that he is also hoping that access to business scholarships for students can be improved. “Scholarships are one way in which we promote and encourage students to perform better. I would like to see our local private sector that benefit … from the output, provide more scholarships to this institution,” he added.