-Diverse doctoral programmes to support national development

TWO hundred and two Guyanese students have officially begun their PhD studies through a collaborative initiative between the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and ARKA JAIN University in India.
According to a release from the Ministry of Education, this marks one of the most significant cohorts of doctoral candidates in the country’s history and a major step in advancing local expertise across a wide range of disciplines.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, while delivering remarks during the launch ceremony on Friday, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a highly educated and skilled workforce.
He noted the importance of ensuring that Guyanese across all regions have access to advanced educational opportunities that support national development goals.
“Since its inception in 2021, GOAL has awarded approximately 39,000 scholarships to Guyanese students, surpassing the initial target of 20,000 scholarships over five years. This has opened doors to academic advancement in areas that are essential to Guyana’s ongoing transformation,” the Ministry highlighted in a statement.
Professor Jacob Opadeyi, Director of GOAL, also shared that the university was carefully chosen to ensure quality.
He encouraged students to stay committed and make the most of the journey ahead.
The three-year doctoral programmes cover a wide range of critical areas including early childhood education management, educational policy, secondary education leadership and various branches of psychology such as educational, human resource, cognitive, and social psychology.
In the field of business and management, candidates will pursue advanced studies in strategic and marketing management, international business, operations, finance, human resources, commerce, project management and business ethics.
The science and technology stream includes programmes in biotechnology, electrical and electronics engineering, information systems management and pharmacy.
Meanwhile, those focused on public service and communication will engage in research in public administration and management, journalism and mass communication and higher education governance.
This GOAL–ARKA JAIN University collaboration forms part of the broader government agenda to create a knowledge-based economy, while equipping future leaders, professionals, and researchers with the skills and expertise to drive national development.
It also complements ongoing PhD opportunities being offered through GOAL’s partnership with UNICAF University.