Dear Editor,
Within the past few weeks I have noticed that the current head of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, is coming in for some harsh comments from the UG unions. Being one of the six persons who unanimously voted for Opadeyi, I believe it is my obligation to give my views on the work of the professor.
To begin with, Professor Opadeyi took over a bankrupted university with a number of issues. When he was interviewed by the team he was very convincing and spoke as though he understood the many woes faced. Additionally his proposed solutions to the issues were very practical, hence he was given the job.
However when Professor Opadeyi became Vice Chancellor, he was a different matter altogether. Editor I will make reference to one incident which occurred just about a month into his tenure, when the administration of UG unilaterally decided to impose a $10 000 late fee for students who paid after the deadline for payment. The deadline for payment was March 31 and that decision was made on March 10. For clarity, On March 10 students were told that March 31 was deadline for complete payment, and that if they didn’t pay by then they would have to pay an additional $10 000. I, at the time strongly believed that the administration was being unfair to the students because never in history had such happened, and to suddenly make such a decision and not give the students enough time was unfair. Editor, students were accustomed to the lopsided behaviour of paying just before examinations, so to get the money early by setting a deadline was not a bad move, but to give the students a couple of days’ notice was unfair. I approached the VC and made my case, and got the impression that he would support my position.
Some two weeks later, I presented my case in the belief that I had the support of the Vice Chancellor.
Additionally I told students not to worry that the VC was supporting our view and the matter would be addressed at Academic Board. Lo and behold, the VC said to me that they could not rescind the decision because students have been paying their money. I was so shocked I fumbled for words.
Notwithstanding, I argued for my poor colleagues who I knew could not pay by March 31 and would find it difficult to pay an additional $10 000. I was unsuccessful. The VC lost my support there and then. I shared my sentiments about him with UGWU and UGSSA, so to now hear that those very unions have lost confidence in Professor Opadeyi is not surprising.
Professor Lawrence Carrington served the University of Guyana in my humble view with distinction. His stint was shortened because of political interventions which hampered him significantly. He should be asked to return and serve as VC. Professor Carrington was a devoted leader and I am absolutely certain beyond all shadow of doubt that UGSSA and UGWU would agree with me. Many past presidents have admired Professor Lawrence Carrington and I am no exception. I would love to see him serve UG again. This time with no political intervention. He agreed with me that education should not be a gift to the rich and a dream for the poor.
Yours faithfully,
Ganesh Mahipaul
