…with rebranded Faculty of Technology

THE University of Guyana in collaboration with the Ministry of Education has begun construction of a new Mathematics and Science building to improve the services offered by the institution, and has rebranded the Faculty of Technology.

A ‘sod-turning’ ceremony was held at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus on July 20, 2018 to give visibility to the rebranded Faculty and to make the public aware of their decision to boost the areas of Mathematics and Science.

At the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith said that the decision to construct the building was birthed and will be a reality through the indispensable support of the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Education. He added that it is very significant that as a university and as a nation, much more is done in Science and Technology; preparing students, enabling lecturers and the support staff. This new faculty, he said, will allow the space, enable the technology and give students everything they need to reach their full potential.

“Engineering requires significant preparation for Math and the Sciences, so this is a critical part of the support. Government has a significant interest in pushing what we are doing in Earth and Environmental Sciences. This will not only improve the quality of human resources our University produces, but will also aid in the development of our country,” the Vice Chancellor said.

According to Professor Griffith, the building will be 4,000 sq. ft. with two storeys and will be equipped to better serve the students pursuing courses in mathematics and science fields.
Further, the Vice-Chancellor announced that as of July 9, 2018 the Faculty of Technology was rebranded to be “The Faculty of Engineering and Technology”, so as to make provision for the inclusion of the soon to come Department of Petroleum and Geological Engineering. The new department will be launched in January 2019.

Expressing the Ministry’s endorsement, Minister of Education Nicolette Henry stated that the construction of the building is in alignment with the national agenda for education which focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). She said the building will also serve the Faculties of Natural Science, Earth and Environmental Science and Agriculture and Forestry.

Further, she noted that the project is funded by the Government of Guyana to the tune of $66M. Minister Henry said that she was pleased to be a part of the collaborative process and that it is important to have faculties that are 21st century relevant.