n a significant milestone for higher education in Guyana, the University of Guyana (UG) announced it has been granted universal institutional accreditation, marking a historic achievement in its 62-year history. This accreditation, awarded after a comprehensive evaluation process, represents the first time that UG has applied for and received this level of recognition.
Accreditation Process and Standards Met
The journey to accreditation began with a rigorous evaluation by a team of five highly credentialed international evaluators who visited UG’s campuses in November 2024. Over two weeks, the team assessed 17 standards across various aspects of university operations, including governance, teaching, learning, and quality enhancement. UG excelled in 16.5 of the 17 standards, earning an impressive 97% score. Among the areas recognised were Governance and Administration, Teaching and Learning, and Readiness for Change, while the Mission and Vision standard was partially met.
Dr. Hutson emphasised that while the accreditation process is an achievement, it is not an endpoint. The accreditation is valid for five years, after which the university will undergo a re-evaluation.
A Long Road to Accreditation
Prof. Emanuel Cummings, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, detailed the extensive work involved in preparing for this landmark accreditation. He credited the university’s earlier programme accreditations as a foundation that contributed to this achievement. Cummings noted that accreditation benefits students in numerous ways, including enhancing the university’s reputation, improving student employability, and increasing access to funding and resources.
A Historic Moment for UG and Guyana
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, reflected on the humble origins of the UG and praised the institution’s growth, noting its crucial role in educating the country’s leaders in various sectors. The minister highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and underscored that accreditation is a clear indicator of the value UG offers to its students.
UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, accepted the accreditation certificate on behalf of the university and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this achievement. She celebrated the university’s progress, including its rise in international rankings, and reaffirmed UG’s commitment to quality education. With a tearful expression, Prof. Mohamed Martin dedicated the accreditation to UG’s faculty, students, alumni, and partners, calling it “the beginning of more hard work and a different dispensation for UG.”
Student Perspective
Student representative Charldon Greaves shared his excitement, expressing how the accreditation would positively impact current and future students. “For me, it’s a badge of honour,” Greaves said, encapsulating the pride felt by the student body.
The attainment of institutional accreditation marks a transformative moment in UG’s history, setting the stage for continued progress and enhancing the value of a degree from Guyana’s flagship university.
The occasion was celebrated in a simple ceremony attended by key figures in education and governance. Among those present were the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Chair of the National Accreditation Council (NAC), Dr. Mohandat Goolsarran; NAC CEO, Dr. Marcel Hutson; UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emanuel Cummings, along with student representative Charldon Greaves. The event was chaired by Mr. Jainarine Deonauth, Director of Events, Conferences, and Communications (DECC) at the University.
For more details on the ceremony, visit: https://youtu.be/
