Massive improvements are expected to begin at the University of Guyana (UG) this year, as government will be working with the institution’s administration to accomplish the goals set out in its strategic plan.
Education Minister Shaik Baksh said that several suggestions have already been made regarding the improvements government wishes to see implemented this year at the university.
Baksh explained that one such improvement that is likely to be accomplished is the rebalancing of current programmes, with greater focus being placed on improving subjects offered in the science and technology fields. He said that there is a need for training in the appropriate fields of study, to meet the demands of the local job market. Baksh also noted his concern over quality assurance at UG, which should cater for better gradates coming out of that institution.
“The university has taken certain steps in that direction, but we feel that they need to accelerate the programme of quality assurance, and it is moving too slowly in my opinion as minister,” he said. Baksh noted his disappointment at the pace at which the programme is moving, but he stressed that the process should be speeded up this year.
He explained that, in a recent meeting with UG managers and ministry officials, other issues were raised, including the untimely marking of scripts, the need for a pay review system, and the need for external examinations to be reinstituted. He stressed that these goals will be achieved only through the collaborative efforts of the UG administration and the Education Ministry.
“We need to also increase the managerial efficiency and effectiveness,” he opined. Baksh noted that, as a result of a recent discussion with the Chancellor of UG, Professor Compton Bourne, the Education Ministry is looking at having a consultancy team review management systems at the university, through technical assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
UG has also faced heavy criticism for being unable to manage its finances effectively. However, late last year, 15 heads of departments at UG participated in a professional development programme workshop. The workshop focused on capacity building and financial sustainability. Andrea London, the current planning officer at UG, facilitated the workshop. She was trained in a similar workshop by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus, at Mona, Jamaica. The workshop touched on ways to develop strategies to raise funds, and on ways of creating better financial plans.
The education minister noted that UG will also be pressed to look at promoting and expanding distance education programmes, which will see more people being qualified in different areas throughout the country. Baksh noted that, by enhancing the e-learning approach, more Guyanese will be able to benefit from tertiary and vocational training. This will also help Amerindians, who live in distant communities, to benefit from the courses offered by UG.
Government has already indicated its plans to set up wireless Internet service and distribute at least 25 computers to each of these hinterland communities. This promise was made by President Bharrat Jagdeo at last year’s National Toshaos Council meeting, held at the Guyana International Conference Centre.
In addition to the plans set out to develop the university, government will also be looking at improving that institution’s infrastructure, specifically the Turkeyen Campus, with the possible expansion of classrooms, sanitation systems, laboratories, and the university’s library facility.
Comments are closed.