Latest update September 13th, 2026 10:36 AM
Professor Lawrence Carrington should return as UG Vice Chancellor
Dear Editor,
Within the past few weeks I have noticed that the current head of the University of Guyana – Professor Jacob Opadeyi, is coming in for some harsh comments from the UG unions. Being one of the six persons who unanimously voted for Opadeyi, I believe it is my obligation to give my views on the work of the professor.
To begin with, Professor Opadeyi took over a bankrupted university with a number of issues. When Opadeyi was interviewed by the team he was very convincing to us and spoke as though he understood the many woes faced. Additionally, his proposed solutions to the issues were very practical. Maybe that’s what caught us off guard, hence he was given the job.
However, when Opadeyi became Vice Chancellor, he was a different individual all together. Editor, I will make reference to one incident. Just about a month into Opadeyi’s tenure, the administration of UG unilaterally decided to impose a $10 000 late fee for students who pay after the deadline for payment. The deadline for payment was March 31 and that decision was made on March 10. For clarity, On March 10 students were told that March 31 is deadline for complete payment. If they don’t pay by then, they will have to pay an additional $10 000. I, at the time, strongly believed that the Administration was being unfair to the students because never in history did such ever happen and to suddenly make such a decision and not give the students enough time was unfair. Editor, students were accustomed to the lopsided behaviour of paying just before examinations, so to get the money early by setting a deadline was not a bad move but to give the students a couple of days notice was unfair. I approached the VC and made my case. The man fully agreed with me and advised me to write a memo and send it to Academic Board for deliberation. He said he will support my position. I did as advised.
When the memo came up for deliberation some two weeks later, I presented my case with full confidence that I had the support of the Vice Chancellor.
Additionally, I told students not to worry, that the VC is supporting our view and the matter will be addressed at Academic Board. Lo and behold, the VC said to me with no shame in his face that they cannot rescind the decision because students have been paying their money. I was so shocked I fumbled for words.
Notwithstanding, I argued for my poor colleagues who I knew could not pay by March 31 and would find it difficult to pay an additional $10 000. I was unsuccessful. VC lost my support there and then. My conclusion there and then was that he is not a Trustworthy person. I shared those sentiments with UGWU and UGSSA. So to now hear that those very unions have lost confidence in Professor Opadeyi is not surprising.
However, Professor Lawrence Carrington was a true patriot to the University of Guyana, who served, in my humble view, with distinction. His stint was shortened because of political interventions which hampered him significantly. He should be asked to return and serve as VC. Carrington was an honest and devoted leader and I am absolutely certain beyond all shadows of doubt that UGSSA and UGWU would agree with me. Many past presidents have admired Professor Lawrence Carrington and I am no exception. I would love to see him serve UG again. This time with no political intervention. He agreed with me that Education should not be a gift to the rich and a dream for the poor.
Ganesh Mahipaul
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