National Assembly Expands UG Council for Inclusivity

National Assembly Approves Expansion of University of Guyana Council to Enhance Inclusivity and Expertise

The National Assembly, in a landmark decision on Tuesday morning, approved the expansion of the University of Guyana (UG) Council from twenty-six to thirty-two members. This strategic move is set to enhance inclusivity and bring in more expertise at the decision-making levels of the institution. The additional six members will represent diverse fields such as information and communications technology, environment, climate change, and national defense, ensuring that the Council benefits from a broader range of perspectives.

Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who proposed the amendment, underscored the importance of this inclusivity. She highlighted that the world has moved away from the outdated notion that children and young people should be seen and not heard. “We now want to, as a world, hear from our young people,” the minister emphasized, indicating that youth representation is a crucial aspect of the new structure.

The amendment aligns with the ongoing expansion of the education sector under the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. Minister Manickchand pointed out that whenever the PPP/C is in office, there is consistent and repeated growth in education. “We are adding persons to the council so that we have a more inclusive council that can add more to the University of Guyana,” she explained.

The changes to the UG Council include an increase in the number of representatives nominated by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from four to five. Additionally, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) will now have a nominee on the Council. The Minister of Education will be able to nominate six persons instead of three, while the Chancellor’s nominations will decrease from six to four.

Despite objections from the Parliamentary Opposition, who suggested that the amendment be reviewed by a Special Select Committee, the motion passed, demonstrating the government's commitment to enhancing the efficiency of the University of Guyana. Minister Manickchand firmly defended the amendment, asserting that the expanded Council would better serve the University’s interests.

Addressing the Opposition’s lack of substantive objections, Minister Manickchand criticized their focus on superficial arguments, stating that the Opposition failed to give any reason why the motion should not pass, resorting instead to grandstanding with fluff and frippery.

This amendment represents a forward-thinking approach to governance at the University of Guyana. By expanding the Council, the government is ensuring a more inclusive, representative, and effective governing body, poised to address the various challenges and opportunities facing the institution. This move is a testament to the PPP/C's commitment to advancing education and fostering a more inclusive decision-making process at one of the nation’s key educational institutions.