ExxonMobil plugs $10M into upgrade of UG Mechanical Lab

Jun 18, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – The University of Guyana (UG) has taken another stride in its mission to deliver world-class engineering education with the enhancement of its Mechanical Lab at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET).

The upgrade was made possible through a $10 million (US$50,000) grant from ExxonMobil Guyana and includes new industrial-grade equipment aimed at improving hands-on learning and technical innovation, the university said in a press release.

The upgraded facility was officially launched during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on June 9, 2025, at the Turkeyen Campus. It forms part of UG’s long-term vision outlined in Blueprint 2040, which includes goals focused on advancing science, technology, engineering, and innovation, and ensuring students are equipped for the rapidly evolving local and global economy.

The newly procured equipment includes two Smithy Granite XT 3-in-1 Machine; a Miller Multimatic 215 Multiprocess Welding Plant; a Baldor-Reliance Industrial Grinder 1217W; and a Jet HVBS-712DV Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw 7″ X I2″ Deluxe. These replace older machines that were in use since 1979 when they were first donated by the British Council.

This revitalisation effort began when the Laboratory Technologist in FET, Mr. Bruce Nigel Haynes, had advocated for the replacement of key lab equipment. The proposal was later taken forward by Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin.

In her remarks, Prof. Mohamed Martin said: “We’re not only speaking about becoming a world-class university, we have a plan, and we are working that plan to get us there. While we are delighted that students now have access to this equipment, we also urge them to take care of it, not just for themselves, but for the many others who will benefit in the years ahead,” the Vice-Chancellor shared at the ceremony.”

The VC also expressed sincere appreciation to ExxonMobil Guyana for their continued partnership with the University over the years, noting that their sustained support has been invaluable to both the institution and its students.

Dean of FET, Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, noted that the addition of the modern tools is expected to significantly boost the learning experience for UG’s engineering students. “These tools are more than machines; they are the instruments that will allow our students to build their skills, work with purpose, and prepare to meet the real-world demands of the engineering profession. This investment reflects a shared vision with ExxonMobil to develop a stronger, more innovative Guyana,” he said.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of her department, Head of Mechanical Engineering Department, Ms. Elena Trim, said the impact of this contribution will be long-lasting. “Words cannot express how happy we are about this donation. Our students will now have the tools they need to create, test, and refine their final-year projects. We’ve already seen their excitement and drive; it’s uplifting.”

Third and fourth-year mechanical engineering students Joshua Joseph, Ezron Bishop, and Dwayne De Costa shared their collective gratitude. They said the upgrade significantly enhances the lab as it will help to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and provide the tools to develop real-world skills and open up new opportunities to work on meaningful projects and enter competitions.

Representing ExxonMobil Guyana, Community Relations Advisor, Ms. Lasawhna Prescott, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to education and the future of STEM in Guyana. Ms Prescott said, “For ExxonMobil Guyana, we see education as the cornerstone of development. STEM in particular is a focus for us, not only to prepare young Guyanese for the oil and gas industry but to build their capacity for a much broader outlook in a variety of fields. It’s important to us that we have real impacts today that translate to even bigger impacts tomorrow. Collaborating with the University of Guyana has given us many opportunities and many successes that empower future leaders.”

The Mechanical Lab upgrade is only the beginning. The University plans to expand the facility’s capabilities by procuring additional equipment, integrating interdisciplinary research projects, and furthering collaborations with international academic and industry partners. This latest investment is not only a boost to the university’s infrastructure but also a reflection of UG’s dedication to producing graduates who are ready to meet the engineering and technological challenges of the future, locally, regionally, and globally.

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• ExxonMobil, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kofi Dalrymple, UG Mechanical Lab, University of Guyana

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