Education Minister signals more money, better qualified lecturers for UG

Guyana Chronicle

MINISTER of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine recently acknowledged that the state of affairs at the University of Guyana is appalling, speaking at a recent event held by the Guyana National Youth Council. The Education Minister noted that students, lecturers and concerned Guyanese have been calling for more focus to be placed on the development of the University of Guyana over a number of years. Having been a member of the University of Guyana’s Council, Dr. Roopnaraine said that UG is in a ‘mess’. He told the gathering of young people that the Government will work to ensure that more money is allocated to the University. NO FIRST DEGREE LECTURERS Turning his attention to the quality of the lecturers, the minister stated that he does not want persons with first degrees to be lecturing at UG. “I want to ensure that we have people there with academic and professional experience,” he added. For the University to have the best cadre of lecturers and teachers to deliver the best education possible to students, the institution has to compete internationally to attract the type of well trained and experienced persons needed to lift the quality of education at that level. “We must settle for nothing less,” he emphasised. The Education Minister also reiterated his desire to transform the system from as early as nursery to ensure that the nourishment is provided so that all students can have a rich and rewarding experience. To lend to the rich and rewarding experience, Dr. Roopnaraine said, he is currently in talks with a group of local musicians regarding the inclusion of music in the classroom. The Education Minister maintained that the objective is that the education provided for Guyanese citizens must become the envy of the Caribbean. (Rebecca Ganesh)