The University of Guyana kicked off its first of four virtual Convocation Ceremonies on Friday, March 19, which saw President Irfaan Ali urging graduates to utilize their newly acquired skills to help in the transformation of Guyana into a modern, prosperous and progressive country.
At Friday’s ceremony, a total of 556 students walked the virtual graduation stage – 293 from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, 51 from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, and 212 from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI).
Close to 2,500 students are set to graduate from the University’s Turkeyen, Berbice, and IDCE Campuses in a series of virtual graduation ceremonies; in what is regarded as a historic first for the University of Guyana due to the need to adhere to physical distancing and other national Covid-19 guidelines.
In his feature address to kick off the momentous occasion, President Ali heaped praises on all the proud graduates for persevering amid the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the Head of State, despite the disruptive effects of the pandemic over the past year, students are graduating from the University of Guyana at a time when the country is at its most significant developmental trajectory. As such, they must position themselves to take full advantage of the unprecedented growth being realized across various sectors.
“Today’s Convocation is a testament to our people’s perseverance in the face of challenges. Throughout our history, our people have demonstrated the tenacity and desire to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. This courage and determination are best exemplified by one of your own, Rajni Persaud, a physically-challenged student who is graduating today with a Diploma in Accountancy. Her grit and determination inspire us all,” the President said.
Ali noted that Guyana is embarking not only on a process that will yield higher levels of growth and human development but will also require higher levels of education and learning.
A key element of the national development agenda, he said, is the entrenchment of a knowledge-based economy, noting that such an economy depends on and demands highly skilled human capital and emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning.
In this regard, the President underscored that the University of Guyana has played a critical role in preparing citizens to better craft, participate in, and advance national development.
“The University of Guyana continues to be a primary driver in this regard. We must work on enhancing its capacity and role within the national fabric. As such, I strongly support the University’s efforts to position itself as noted in your Blueprint as, I quote, “a transcendent institution working across all divides and across time to create the best Guyanese graduate, fit for purpose and focused on a positive cohesive future” end quote. The University, therefore, has a key role to play in advancing our efforts to transition to a low carbon economy to maximize the opportunities emerging from our geostrategic position and towards improved governance, accountability, equity, and social cohesion”.
According to President Ali, it is in the context that tertiary education must become a vital lifeforce of national development. He noted that tertiary education must add to the demands of the „new economy‟ which requires higher levels of skills, particularly technical skills.
“Guyana looks to you to be on the forefront of promoting innovation and propelling our country to higher levels of output and attainment. It is vital that we utilize our collective skills and knowledge to improve our quality of life,” the President told the graduates.
The Head of State urged the graduates to believe in their abilities and to be seized by that conviction that no matter what challenges they are confronted with, they would prevail if they are focused and determined to achieve success.
“It has been a most challenging year for our country, and you students have faced a great deal of setbacks. But you have made it to the finish line. To the University of Guyana‟s class of 2020, I applaud you and extend my heartfelt congratulations on your long-awaited and well-deserved graduation”.
