AFC Demands Forensic Audit of GOAL Scholarship Programme, Criticises Inaccurate Textbook Content

The Alliance for Change (AFC) is ramping up its criticism of the government, calling for a forensic audit of the controversial GOAL Scholarship Programme amidst allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of transparency. The demand follows growing concerns over the programme’s effectiveness, initially launched to provide educational opportunities for Guyanese students.

The GOAL Programme, which was designed to assist Guyanese in accessing quality education, has faced increasing scrutiny. Students have been enrolled in programmes that lack proper accreditation or hold no real value in the job market, leaving many with qualifications that are either unrecognised or completely useless. The party is calling for the government to account for how public funds have been misused.

“The GOAL Scholarship Programme is a symbol of failure and corruption under the PPP administration. The AFC stands with the people of Guyana in demanding justice, accountability, and a commitment to restoring integrity to our nation’s educational and financial systems.” In 2024 the Government allocated $ 4 Billion, the allocation was increased to $4.4 Billion in 2025.

Compounding these issues are reports claiming that the government paid substantial sums to a university that has since denied any affiliation with the Government of Guyana. These allegations raise serious questions about the use of taxpayer funds and the lack of accountability.

The AFC is calling for a forensic audit to uncover the full extent of alleged corruption and mismanagement within the GOAL Programmme. They are also demanding that the audit be transparent, with its findings publicly disclosed. The party insists that those responsible for the misuse of funds must be held accountable, including GOAL Programme Director Professor Jacob Opadeyi, whose leadership has been questioned amidst these allegations.

This is a clear case of public money being wasted, and it’s students who are paying the price, the party said. The party has also demanded immediate action to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and that those affected by the programme are given the opportunity to continue their education.

In addition to their concerns over the GOAL Programme, the AFC has also sharply criticised the Ministry of Education under the leadership of Minister Priya Manickchand for failing to provide proper oversight of educational materials. The party has raised alarms over a primary school social studies textbook, “Guyanese Around the World – Social Studies Grade 3,” which contained inaccurate information about Chinese Landing, an indigenous community in Region One.

The textbook, which was distributed to primary school students, sparked outrage among local communities for including erroneous and misleading details about Chinese Landing. Among the issues highlighted was the portrayal of the masquerade dance, which was described as originating from slavery in Guyana. The AFC points out that the masquerade dance, in fact, has its origins in West Africa, and the textbook’s description is historically inaccurate.

The government’s failure to properly vet and approve this textbook is an injustice to our children and an insult to the people of Chinese Landing, the AFC stated. It’s the Party’s view the Ministry must take full responsibility for the blunder and make immediate changes to ensure that all educational resources are accurate and reflective of our diverse national heritage.

The AFC is calling for an official apology from the government, especially for the disrespect shown to the people of Chinese Landing. The party also demands a thorough review of the textbook, involving Indigenous leaders and cultural experts, to ensure that future materials are accurate, culturally sensitive, and appropriate for the young students they are meant to educate.

The party notes Article 15 of the United Nations Declaration and the rights of indigenous peoples which says Indigenous peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures traditions histories and aspirations which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.

“Article 15:2 says states that we should take effective measures in consultation and cooperation with the Indigenous Peoples concerned to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination and to promote tolerance understanding and good relations among indigenous peoples and all other segments of society.”

In a broader move, the AFC is also calling for the establishment of an independent monitoring body to oversee the development and approval of educational materials in Guyana. This body would ensure that textbooks meet accurate and culturally respectful standards, preventing any further inaccuracies from entering classrooms.

Both the controversies surrounding the GOAL Scholarship Programme and the education system’s oversight are raising growing concerns over the management of public resources and the quality of educational services in Guyana. The AFC’s demands for greater accountability and transparency are aimed at addressing these urgent issues, with the party calling on the public to join in their calls for reform.