The Government of Guyana does not govern the administration of the University of Guyana

Aug 27, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
Mr. Maxwell seems to have a lot of time on his hands to express nonsensical opinionated ideas and not enough time to do his homework. In his letter published by Kaieteur News on August 26, 2011, he indicated that the government of Guyana is responsible for the University of Guyana discontinuing the new health sciences degree programmes in Pharmacy, Optometry and Rehabilitation Science.
If Mr. Maxwell had learned investigative journalism, he would not need commonsense to realize his mythical ideas have no bearings without proper evidence and support. Since, Mr. Maxwell has not done his homework; I would like to take a few minutes to educate him about the issues surrounding these new programmes.
Firstly, if he knows so much about Guyana’ s history, he should know that the University of Guyana is an independent institution and the administration of the University is not governed by the government of Guyana or any political party. The process of introducing new programmes starts at the department level and ends with the approval of the University of Guyana Council.
So far there has not been any indication by the university that they will discontinue any new programmes with respect to the degree in Optometry or the degree in Rehabilitation Science. The introduction of a Degree in Pharmacy is not a new programme, but an upgrade from the Associate Degree being offered there currently. Persons knowledgeable about the programmes offered by the Health Science Faculty would be aware of this. Perhaps, Mr. Maxwell needs preparatory lessons on how a university functions.
The degrees in Pharmacy, Optometry and in Rehabilitation Science are programmes with a new fee structure of G$250,000 per academic year for each programme which were approved at the Academic Board level in 2009 after being examined and reviewed by the Academic Policy and Planning unit. However, the matter of new programmes and new fees never reached the Council for approval. The normal tuition fee for these programmes in question is G$127,000 per academic year.
Upon approval by the Academic Board in early 2010, advertisements by the University were placed to attract prospective students to these new programmes. Prospective students responded and were accepted. These new entrants paid either cash or applied for a loan from the University of Guyana Loan Agency.
Those who applied for loans did not get approval because the loan agency was not advised of the new programmes offered, and was therefore not authorized to give loans of G$250,000 per academic year. This was as a result of the non – approval status for these programmes by the Council which was supposed to advise the agency if approval was given. The standard amount to be loaned out to students by the agency is G$127,000 and if there are no disbursements left, then there will be no loans to be granted to students. The Council approved tuition for these programmes at G$127,000 and the students who paid G$250,000, the difference of their payments would roll over to the next academic year, that is, 2011/2012.
So, Mr. Maxwell, I am sure you have made a grave mistake by falsely accusing, labeling and addressing the government inappropriately and unnecessarily because of your ignorance and bias. Don’t worry Mr. Maxwell, they will probably accept your apology!
Joseph Adams

Latest News

The Government of Guyana does not govern the administration of the University of Guyana

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Imlach masterclass 126, Alimohamed 66-ball 77, give Harpy Eagles life...

Fraser rebounds well, as Arjoon keeps perfect...

Guyana to host historic 3×3 Quest Tournament

Quarter-Finals in Mashramani Street Football...

Vurlon Mills Football Academy launches KFC...

DEMLIFE Golf Tournament tees off today at LGC

Features/Columnists

Due diligence on investments must become a priority

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Awestruck and starstruck with a twist

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

The Government of Guyana does not govern the administration of the University of Guyana

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]