NEWLY appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Professor Jacob Opadeyi, has said that one of his main focuses will be on developing the partnership between the private sector and the university.

He made this disclosure yesterday while speaking to the media at the opening ceremony of the American spot at the university’s library, which was his first public engagement since being appointed Vice Chancellor.
According to him, the university faces many challenges, but these can be easily overcome.
The challenges include low remuneration for staff and infrastructural deficiencies, both of which need to be worked on urgently.
The position of Vice-Chancellor became vacant on March 31, 2012, after Professor Lawrence Carrington indicated that he was not desirous of being considered for a new contract.
After the vacancy arose, advertisements were carried internationally, regionally and locally, and 18 applications were received.
The applicants were shortlisted using an elaborate process which included the establishment of criteria for short listing, the actual short listing, a menu of interviewing activities, and a recommendation and approval procedure.
Professor Opadeyi was confirmed as the new Vice Chancellor of the university by Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Prem Misir on December 13, 2012, and he assumed office on Monday last.
He holds various academic qualifications, which include a Ph.D in Land Management from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada, and a M.Sc and B.Sc (First Class Honors) in surveying from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.