UG Earns Historic Accreditation

PRESS RELEASE | University of Guyana Secures Historic Accreditation After 61 Years

January 21, 2025 – The University of Guyana (UG) has reached a historic milestone by achieving universal institutional accreditation for the first time in its 61-year history. This momentous accomplishment was celebrated in an internal ceremony, marking the culmination of years of dedication to academic excellence, institutional growth, and global standards.

While individual programmes at UG have previously earned accreditation for specific disciplines, this is the first time the entire university has successfully met the rigorous standards required for universal institutional accreditation. This achievement positions UG as a recognized institution for quality education, not only in Guyana but also across the region and the world.

The accreditation process was conducted by the National Accreditation Council of Guyana (NAC) and involved a comprehensive evaluation by a team of five highly credentialed international evaluators. Over a two-week period in November 2024, the team conducted an extensive review of UG’s campuses, interviewed key stakeholders, and thoroughly assessed the university’s operations and documentation. The result: UG achieved an impressive 97% score, excelling in 16.5 of the 17 accreditation standards.

The standards met or exceeded included critical areas such as Governance and Administration, Teaching and Learning, Readiness for Change, and Quality Enhancement. The sole area requiring improvement was the university’s mission statement, last reviewed in the 1970s. The evaluators recommended updating it to reflect UG’s expanded scope and forward-thinking “Blueprint 2025” strategy, which aims to elevate its academic offerings and global influence.

Dr. Marcel Hutson, Executive Director of NAC, spoke passionately about the significance of this achievement, stating:

“Accreditation is not merely a label or certificate; it is a robust and thorough process that affirms an institution’s capacity to provide education that meets and exceeds national and international standards. It is a commitment to quality assurance, a catalyst for self-improvement, and a guarantee of trust and confidence for students, parents, employers, and society at large.”

Dr. Hutson commended UG’s leadership and faculty for their dedication to this milestone. He emphasized that accreditation is an ongoing journey:

“Accreditation is not the final destination—it is a foundation upon which to build. It inspires innovation, continuous self-improvement, and a sustained commitment to maintaining and enhancing the standards that have been achieved. This accomplishment also strengthens UG’s ability to expand its influence regionally and globally, contributing to Guyana’s academic, cultural, and socio-economic advancement and beyond.”

Reflecting on UG’s growth since its establishment in 1963, the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, paid tribute to its profound impact on Guyana’s development:

“‘Jagan’s Night School’ has now grown into a university that has graduated most of the cabinet, most of the doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and most of the people traversing the courts. In fact, the last appointment of judges—the largest we’ve ever had—saw every single appointee as a graduate of UG. This is an institution that has earned its stripes and rightful place.”

Minister Manickchand also highlighted UG’s regional and international appeal, noting the institution’s role in shaping leaders and professionals worldwide:

“When I was attending law school here, we had cohorts of Jamaicans and Bahamians coming to UG for their first year before moving on to other institutions. Although the numbers may have decreased, UG remains attractive to students from outside Guyana. Many of our scholars have gone on to prestigious institutions worldwide, excelling in various fields and contributing on a global scale.”

The accreditation is valid for five years, during which UG will focus on maintaining and enhancing the standards achieved. The university has pledged to prioritize the recommendations made by the accreditation team, including updating its mission statement to better reflect its ambitions and commitments.

This historic accreditation is a testament to UG’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and service to society. It also serves as a platform for future growth, allowing the university to expand its reach and impact on a regional and global level.

The University of Guyana was established in 1963 as a small institution with a mission to make higher education accessible to Guyanese. Today, it stands as the nation’s premier institution of higher learning, producing leaders in law, medicine, education, science, and other vital sectors. With this universal institutional accreditation, UG is poised to solidify its reputation as a hub for academic excellence, innovation, and global influence.