OFFICIALS at the University of Guyana (UG) have expressed dissatisfaction over the misinformation carried by the Guyana Times which falsely reported in its July 3 edition that the history programme had been scrapped. 

According to the misleading article, there had been a lack of student enrolment as the programme was reduced to a “mere diploma course”. Without official clarification on the matter, the article obtained a confirmation from a ‘lecturer’ source, citing the closure of the programme.
However, the Guyana Chronicle felt the need to obtain clarification on the matter from the UG authorities. Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Mr Alim Hosein told this publication in a brief interview that the programme was never “dropped” and had always been offered by UG. It was noted that many leading dignitaries, including President Granger, have profoundly benefited from the programme.
The programme carries two components: an Associate Degree, which runs for two years while the Bachelor Degree runs for four years, and two years once the completion of its Associate Degree.
Another misconception is that the programme’s Bachelor’s Degree had been reduced to an Associate Degree, owing to a lack of student enrolment in the programme.
However, Hosein said: “We have not reduced it to a diploma. The Guyana Times said it has been reduced to a diploma, or a “diploma course,” which is nonsense. We call it an Associate Degree and that is not a reduction.”
Universities around the world offer diploma programmes, but at the University of Guyana, particularly its Faculty of Education and Humanities, Associate Degrees are offered in most of its programmes. This has been the Faculty’s agenda for years.
In relation to the lack of student enrolment, Hosein said the responses for the programme have been reasonably high and the University is currently receiving applications and would welcome more applicants once persons are qualified.
Hosein noted that the University’s administration is disturbed by the false report carried by the Guyana Times newspaper.
Meanwhile, a letter has been penned on behalf of the Faculty of Education and Humanities expressing their disappointment at the false reporting done by the publication.
The Guyana Times has twice misled the public on issues relating to the education sector.
Recently, the newspaper published an article about the abolition of the “Because We Care” $10,000 education cash grant programme, claiming that the Granger Administration will “scrap” the programme.
When contacted by this publication, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine asserted that the programme was not “scrapped” but rather under thorough review and will soon be considered by the Ministry of Finance.