The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government is facing growing criticism over its handling of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, amidst the Staffordshire University accreditation scandal. Several students were misled into believing they were earning legitimate, accredited degrees through the International Skill Development Corporation (ISDC), only to learn that ISDC lacks accreditation from the United Kingdom’s (UK) Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the recognised accrediting body for higher education institutions in the UK.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo attempted to downplay the scandal during a media briefing on Thursday, assuring the public that no student would be “left behind.” However, his reassurances come across as hollow, especially given the government’s history of corruption and repeated failure to perform basic due diligence in managing taxpayers’ money.
In 2024, a staggering $4 billion was allocated to the GOAL programme, but instead of benefiting Guyanese students, this money appears to have been wasted, with no clear returns on investment. Meanwhile, the University of Guyana (UG), the country’s only public tertiary institution has been severely underfunded, raising concerns about the government’s priorities regarding local education. In 2024, UG received $4.1 Billion compared to GOAL’s $4 Billion.
Jagdeo’s defense of the controversial programme does little to alleviate the concerns of critics. Under the leadership of Professor Jacob Opadeyi, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the GOAL programme has faced significant management challenges. Opadeyi, who was ousted in 2015 after a no-confidence vote by UG staff, is also a political ally of the PPP, further fueling suspicions of favouritism and mismanagement. His role in this scandal has raised doubts about the transparency and legitimacy of the GOAL initiative.
While Jagdeo insists that Opadeyi and ISDC are working to resolve the issue, the truth is that students have already lost valuable time, and taxpayer funds have been squandered. Jagdeo’s statement that “nothing is fake” and that the issue is being addressed fails to address the real consequences of the scandal. If the partnership with Staffordshire University cannot be salvaged, Jagdeo claims that students will be placed in other UK institutions. However, these assurances come too late for students who have already been misled.
This mismanagement is not an isolated incident; it’s part of a broader pattern of neglect for Guyana’s education system. While the government has funneled millions into overseas-based programs like GOAL, the University of Guyana has been left to struggle with inadequate funding and resources. The PPP’s prioritisation of foreign-based initiatives over supporting local education institutions raises serious questions about their commitment to the nation’s educational development.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Professor Opadeyi, who is not just a key figure in the GOAL programme but also his relationship with President Irfaan Ali. Opadeyi has long-standing ties to the PPP, having been publicly involved in their political campaigns, including attending the party’s final 2015 election rally at Lusignan, where he was seen wearing a party campaign cap. His close connection to the party has led to suspicions of political influence in the running of the GOAL programme.
Furthermore, Opadeyi’s role as the doctoral supervisor of President Irfaan Ali, who holds a controversial doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the West Indies (UWI), adds another layer of controversy. Ali’s pre-doctoral academic qualifications have been questioned by critics, who claim he failed to provide proof of previous degrees to qualify for entrance into the doctoral programme, and the non-disclosure of his PhD dissertation.
The GOAL programme’s credibility continues to come under scrutiny, with Opposition leaders and civil society calling it a corrupt initiative designed to funnel money into the hands of PPP cronies. Nearly 30,000 Guyanese students have participated in the programme, but they now find themselves questioning the value of their education.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education’s failure to exercise due diligence in overseeing the GOAL programme makes it complicit in the ongoing scandal. By neglecting to thoroughly vet the ISDC) and Staffordshire University’s accreditation, the Ministry allowed taxpayers money and students’ time to be squandered. Their lack of oversight enabled the fraudulent claims of legitimate qualifications, showing a blatant disregard for accountability and the education of thousands of Guyanese students.
