IN a significant achievement, the University of Guyana (UG) is basking in the success of 31 faculty members who recently graduated with their PhDs and Ed.Ds in December 2023.

The accomplished scholars, representing various disciplines across UG’s eight Faculties and several service units, have swiftly returned to the university, resuming their roles in teaching, research, and administrative capacities.

This academic feat was made possible through the Advanced Scholars Programme, initiated during the 2018/2019 academic year. Funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation and developed in collaboration with Arizona State University, the programme also supported three Master’s students, with an additional six doctoral scholars expected to complete their studies in the coming months.

The project, envisioned by then Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Paloma Mohamed and Prof. Gary Dirks of Arizona State University, aimed to boost the University’s teaching staff with terminal degrees by 30 per cent before 2024, while simultaneously enhancing UG’s research capabilities.

Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, now the Vice Chancellor, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, stating, “It is a blessing to the University, our students, and the country, as it will immediately increase the research output, teaching quality, and administrative efficiency. This experience was meant to be more than an academic exercise; it was an experiential one critical to operating UG’s Blueprint 2040. This goal has been achieved.”

Prof. Dirks emphasised the critical role of the programme in preparing UG for upcoming challenges, stating, “The programme with UG was absolutely critical to ensuring that The University of Guyana is able to deal with the tsunami of developments which are about to descend upon the country.”

Over the course of four intense years, the scholars engaged in action research across all 10 regions of Guyana, addressing key issues such as sustainable agriculture, forestry, energy, education, indigenous communities, water and pollution, biodiversity, chemical and mechanical innovations, technologies, computing, labour economics, and educational administration.

The scholars have already made a significant impact, publishing over 60 research papers. With two books and a conference on their work currently in preparation, the project is being studied as a model system for rapid results in sustainable development. Starting February 2024, the University will feature one scholar and his/her work every week.

The University of Guyana extends its heartfelt congratulations to the scholars and their support teams, expressing gratitude to ASU, ExxonMobil Foundation, and all contributors who played a role in this transformative educational journey.

For a detailed report on this groundbreaking project, visit the University of Guyana’s website at www.uog.edu.gy for more information.