THE University of Guyana (UG) officially welcomed almost 4,000 new students at its commencement ceremony held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Turkeyen Campus. With 3776 students accepted so far, and more accepting offers, this is the largest class of students the university has enrolled in its 61-year history. In addition, there are some 8,000-plus continuing students.

For the students who would be attending the university’s two campuses, the other being in Tain, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), it was a chance to commemorate the beginning of their academic journey. They will be attending the institution’s various faculties, colleges and schools, including Health, Natural, and Behavioural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Agriculture, and Forestry, Education, and Humanities and the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.
Celebrating this momentous occasion, students, staff, and notable visitors gathered for an exciting ceremony.

Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, gave the keynote speech, welcoming the students. She emphasised the university’s dedication to giving students a world-class education and preparing them to be leaders in Guyana and further afield.
The Vice-Chancellor addressed the ongoing debate about the value of post-secondary/university education, both globally and in Guyana.  She acknowledged that there are differing opinions on this issue, with some people viewing those pursuing higher education as merely following a set path without true purpose or value. Mohamed-Martin said that these critics believe that investing in the intellectual and skill development of individuals is not worthwhile.
However, she emphasised that this viewpoint does not reflect the philosophy of the University of Guyana. She asserted that the university—and Guyana as a whole—remains committed to investing in the education and development of its students.
This commitment, she noted, is shared by everyone at the university, from custodial staff to professors, administrative personnel, and the finance department.
“There is a huge difference between being educated to use your hands only. There is nothing wrong with that because we need those people too. But we don’t only need those people. We need people like you [university students] who are educated not only to know something…you are educated also to do something. But most importantly, you are educated to become something. And that something is to reach your highest and fullest potential.” According to her, UG published its blueprint in 2019 that would direct development for the next 20 years. Among other things, it includes the ambitious goal of creating one university graduate every household.

“And that one graduate per household was not because we just decided. It is based on strong science. And it is based on the realisation that when we looked at the demographics of our university back in 2017/2018, we saw that over 95 per cent of our graduates were coming from the coastal areas. And that was not something that was acceptable for us. So, one graduate per household doesn’t mean only from the coast. It does not mean people who are from the top schools. It doesn’t mean people who have money to pay only. It means any household that has a person who can aspire to a higher education. That’s who we want to give an opportunity to.”

She said that the university’s consistently rising enrollment is starting to meet its purpose to have a diverse student body as well as the promise it made to the country. She reasoned that if a home has one member who has pursued post-secondary education, even if they did not finish the programme, the prognosis for transforming the life of that entire family is over 40 per cent.
The professor stressed that people in Guyana need to be ready to face the demands that come with being the only country in the world exhibiting significant economic growth.
“Guyana is on the cusp of something fantastic and transformative. You must be able to take the opportunities that are being provided to you and make something for yourself and everyone else.  If you don’t want to work for someone, that’s fine. If you’re going to be an innovator, an entrepreneur; that’s okay too. The step that you are embarking on is very important not only for you, not only for your families but for your neighbours and the community,” she added.

Meanwhile, UG’s Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande reminded students of the various resources available to support their studies, including academic advising, counselling services, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. He urged them to take advantage of the opportunities available, encouraging them to engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer, and connect with peers and faculty members. He revealed that this year, the university is welcoming an increased number of students from around the Caribbean, including from Belize, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Newly enrolled students expressed their enthusiasm and hopes for the upcoming academic year.
In addition to speeches, the event included cultural performances.