UG to rise again — as Transformational Taskforce operationalised
UG Chancellor Professor Nigel Harris addresses the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown
UG Chancellor Professor Nigel Harris addresses the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown

By Ravin Singh

GUYANA’S premier tertiary institution – the University of Guyana (UG) – is expected to be lifted in terms of its standards and academic performance with the operationalising of a Transformational Taskforce on Thursday.For years, the university has struggled with recognition and accreditation, which has resulted in Guyanese pursuing tertiary studies at foreign institutions.
And while it has over the years been deemed to be a political football, given the issues emerging from the institution, it is now that the administrative staff is attempting to reshape this culture.
Although there have been several studies done in the past to formulate strategies to remedy these issues, a lack of implementation of the recommendations made by these bodies stalled the revival of the institution.

A section of the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown
A section of the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown

However, Chancellor of the university, Professor Nigel Harris, with the support of the administrative staff and the University Council, established a Transformational Taskforce to remedy these challenges still existing at UG.
The taskforce, officially commenced work on Thursday through presentations from several key players in a number of sectors including Major (rtd) Joe Singh, and presidential advisor and Private Sector representative Ramnaresh Dookhoo.
The taskforce will seek to address a number of “chronic challenges” which include, but are not limited to staff remuneration, governance of the university, infrastructural and academic support, Information and Communication Technology (ITC), matters of morale, matters of qualification of academic and non-academic staff and lack of opportunities for staff development.
And this is needed, according to the Chancellor, because a university in any society is a key player in determining the competitiveness of that society. But while the Government is depended upon to support institutions of this nature, he explained that products of a university, that is, its graduates, are more often than not channeled into the private sector realm.
Having continuously benefitted in this regard, Professor Harris stressed that the private sector should be playing more of an integral role in supporting development of the institution.
“Solutions to the problems won’t come from the university alone and it won’t come from Government alone. Government subvention alone cannot resource all the changes necessary. Government can create environment through strategies where other sectors, like the private sector can contribute meaningfully,” he said.
Further, he related that the annual subvention pumped into the institution by the Government would not advance the university to the heights it can reach. As such, the role of the Government and private sector is important.
So too the support of civil society and the diaspora. “We have to mobilise the society in a way that has not been done before,” he said.
Additionally, he highlighted that the issue of politicisation cannot characterise the institution since governance is a critical factor in the developmental process.
Professor Harris then unreservedly expressed that Guyana is divided as a society and so is the university. And while the university cannot go forward with lack of trust, he offered that there must be consensus or “we will be doomed”.
“We are responsible for change,” he said, adding that there must be objective disagreements in the development process to rectify loopholes and shortcomings.
Also weighing-in on the process to strengthen UG and Guyana, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Dr Barbara Reynolds contended that the university has a unique role to play in ensuring that Guyanese are trained to advance the country’s position in the international arena.
She also offered that the culture of the university has to be predicated on mutual respect, mutual responsibility and mutual accountability.
Dr Reynolds reminded the attendees of the common ground which must be a feature at the institution. These are, according to her, common courtesy, common sense and a common conscience.
Presentations will be made over the three-day period by persons representing different sectors of the society and the diaspora. Following this, the recommendations and proposals made will be considered and subsequently implemented to strengthen the university.

 

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