–Welcomes gifted students, setting new records in early admissions

THE University of Guyana (UG) celebrated its 61st Commencement with a day full of innovation and youthful brilliance on Friday last.

Among the incoming class of 3,700 freshmen, three remarkable young students stood out, having exceeded expectations by excelling at their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams one to two years ahead of their peers.

These exceptional students, including one young girl, have been admitted to the Computer Sciences programme in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

This marks the first time in the University’s history that three students under the statutory admission age of 17 have been admitted in the same year.

Although UG has made special dispensations for younger students before, this year highlights a growing trend: The University is increasingly accommodating younger and more academically-gifted students, particularly in the field of computing sciences. In fact, over the past four years, at least one student under the age of 17 has been admitted each year, with many excelling in their studies.

The admission of younger students presents unique challenges, as academic programmes designed for adult learners must be adapted to meet the needs of these younger, exceptional minds. The Faculty of Natural Sciences, led by Dean Professor Abdulla Ansari, Head of Computing Dr. Andresa Morris, and Assistant Dean Dave Sarran, has been proactive in supporting these students, focusing on their technical abilities as well as their social and developmental integration into the university environment.

Despite the challenges, the young students admitted in recent years with an average age of 15, have adjusted well and achieved high academic standards. This success aligns with UG’s commitment to addressing the educational needs of all students, including those considered “special needs”, a term the university uses to describe both children with learning challenges and those who are exceptionally gifted.

To support these gifted students, UG has developed innovative programmes like the Early Childhood Centre of Excellence, a ‘lab’ school launched in 2021 in partnership with CDB and UNICEF, and the RASSR summer programme funded by the Greater Guyana Initiative. The aim of these programmes is to accelerate students from across Guyana, preparing them for higher education well ahead of their peers.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin emphasised the importance of nurturing all students, especially those who are gifted. “What we do to identify and support gifted children is as important as what we do to support children who have challenges with learning. While we must not force children to perform above their capability, if they can and want to, we must find a way to support, nurture, and celebrate this in a safe and healthy way. Geniuses can come from amongst us, too. This prospect delights us at the University of Guyana!” she stated.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted that the decision to admit younger students is based on more than just academic grades. A team of developmental psychologists, quality assurance staff, and discipline specialists reviews each case to ensure the students are ready for university life. While some disciplines remain challenging for younger students, UG is committed to finding pathways for these exceptional individuals.

The commencement ceremony, held at the Multipurpose Auditorium at the Turkeyen Campus, was the culmination of a week-long series of orientation sessions that allowed students to engage directly with university officials, faculty, service unit representatives, and student clubs. The formal opening featured addresses from senior university officials, including Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande, Deputy Registrar (ag) Dr. Daniella King, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement Prof. Emanuel Cummings, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin. Cultural performances by the university’s talent ambassadors added a festive touch to the event.

Looking ahead, the University of Guyana continues to prepare for the new academic year, which begins on September 2, 2024. While many programmes are already at capacity, UG has extended the application deadline to September 13, 2024, for those still seeking admission.
The University offers flexible attendance options, including face-to-face, online, and blended learning formats, to accommodate students’ diverse needs.

The University remains committed to fostering a supportive environment for all its students, emphasizing the importance of education, innovation, and personal growth. As UG continues to welcome exceptional young talents, it reaffirms its role as a leader in higher education in Guyana, dedicated to shaping the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.