The University of Guyana’s (UG) 2024/2025 academic year commenced with a remarkable milestone, welcoming 3,700 new students, including three exceptionally young freshmen. Among them are two 15-year-olds and one 14-year-old who surpassed expectations by excelling in their Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams, allowing them to join the university a year or two earlier than their peers.
Two of these students have been admitted to the Computer Sciences programme within the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and the third to the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. This marks the first time that three underage students have been admitted in the same year, though UG has previously made special exceptions for young scholars under its statutory admission age of 17.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, who delivered the keynote address during the commencement activities, described this trend as an “interesting phenomenon to study,” indicating that Guyana might be on the brink of something extraordinary. Her remarks underscored the importance of nurturing the talents of these young prodigies while also integrating them into the broader academic and social environment of the university.
The inclusion of underage students is not new to UG; the institution has made such exceptions at least 25 times throughout its 61-year history. However, recent years have seen a noticeable increase in the number of young students gaining admission. Each of the past four years has seen at least one student under the age of 17 being admitted, predominantly into the computing sciences field. A noteworthy example is a female student who was admitted at the age of 15 in 2020 and is now set to graduate with an impressive grade point average.
Admitting students at such a young age poses unique challenges. The university must tailor its systems, originally designed for adult learners, to accommodate the developmental needs of these younger students. To address these challenges, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, led by Dean Professor Abdulla Ansari, Head of Computing Dr. Andresa Morris, and Assistant Dean Dave Sarran, has taken a proactive approach. Their focus extends beyond just the academic prowess of these students; they also prioritize their social integration and overall well-being. This holistic support system has contributed to the academic and social success of these young scholars, who have adjusted remarkably well to university life.
UG’s commitment to the education of “special needs” students, which encompasses both those with learning challenges and those who are exceptionally gifted, is evident through initiatives like the Early Childhood Centre of Excellence and the RASSR summer programme. The Early Childhood Centre of Excellence, established in partnership with CDB-UNICEF in 2021 and led by Dr. Lidon Lashley, focuses on children aged three months to seven years. Meanwhile, the RASSR programme, supported by the Greater Guyana Initiative, targets mathematically and scientifically gifted students aged nine to 15, helping them advance to higher education earlier than their peers.
The recent formal commencement ceremony, held at UG’s new Multipurpose Auditorium at Turkeyen Campus, was the highlight of a week-long orientation for new students. It featured engaging presentations from senior university officials, including Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande, Deputy Registrar Dr. Daniella King, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement Professor Emanuel Cummings, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin. The event also showcased cultural performances by the university’s talent ambassadors.
In her address, Professor Mohamed Martin urged the new students to seize the abundant opportunities presented to them at UG. She emphasized that the university experience is not just about preparing for traditional employment but also about fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. “Guyana is on the cusp of something fantastic and transformative,” she said, encouraging students to contribute not only to their personal development but also to the broader progress of their communities and country.
Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande echoed these sentiments, urging students to take full advantage of the diverse experiences UG offers, from academic pursuits to extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and cultural explorations. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Cummings encouraged students to follow their academic passions, emphasizing the role education plays in personal and community development.
As UG continues to push the boundaries of educational excellence, it remains committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of age or background, have access to quality education and the support needed to thrive. The university’s forward-looking initiatives, combined with its focus on both traditional and innovative educational approaches, position it as a key driver of development in Guyana and beyond.
Classes for the new academic year will begin on September 2, 2024, with options for face-to-face, online, or blended learning, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of students. The university has extended the application deadline for programmes with available spaces until September 13, 2024, providing more opportunities for prospective students to join UG’s vibrant academic community.
In its 61st year, UG continues to evolve, offering over 171 programs across more than 70 disciplines. With a student population exceeding 11,500 and a growing number of research institutes and centers, the University of Guyana remains dedicated to its mission of advancing knowledge for the betterment of society.
