President Ali: Free Education Should Enhance Quality

President Irfaan Ali

In a virtual address at the University of Guyana’s 58th convocation ceremony last week, President Irfaan Ali said that free education should not lead to a reduction in quality but rather serve as a catalyst for elevated standards.

Over 3,500 students graduated from the university’s various faculties over a three-day period.

“Go forward and prove that the future of Guyana is bright with graduates who are not only educated but empowered to set new benchmarks for excellence,” Ali told them.

The president reiterated the government’s commitment to free education, noting that the abolition of tuition fees at UG will take effect from January 2025, extending to all government technical and vocational institutions nationwide. “Know that your country believes in you,” he continued, “and make the best of what the future holds, as thousands will do the same through the free education commitments the government made. As you step out into this new chapter, I urge you to make the most of what the future holds.”

University of Guyana

Looking at the government’s vision for 2030 and beyond, Ali outlined the need for an educated workforce to support Guyana’s expanding economy. “As we look to 2030 and beyond, our vision for Guyana demands more than just economic growth. It demands shared prosperity, inclusion, and sustainability. That means all of us must rise to the challenge,” he said. “We’re expecting Guyana to cater for more than 3 million people moving through our economy. This is not a small feat.”

He stressed the importance of developing infrastructure and expanding systems, calling for graduates from all fields to play a role in the country’s transformation.

“We need more teachers, engineers, doctors, law-yers, economists, sociologists, artists, and entrepreneurs. Whatever your field, whatever your discipline, play your part. The golden age of Guyana is within reach, but it is you, our graduates, who will take the controls and help steer us there. You’re the ones we are counting on to make the dream of shared prosperity a reality.”

Encouraging the graduates to embrace responsibility, Ali concluded by urging them to contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive economy.

“You’ve shown by reaching this point that you have what it takes. Your country needs you. Yes, today is a day of celebration, but it is also a day for a call to action. Guyana needs each of you to contribute to help build a stronger, more resilient, more inclusive economy that will benefit not just this generation, but generations to come,” he added.