The University of Guyana will go ahead with the graduation ceremonies for its more than 3500 students early November, while matters relating to the tuition fees for some students in this year’s cohort are being addressed.
The University in a release over the weekend said that it was obliged to clarify the current situation in response to a number of calls regarding the recent announcement of free tuition at the University of Guyana.
From all indications, it appears as though students who are slated to graduate this year, but still owe the university, are of the view that their debts have been written off as a result of the recent announcement of President Irfaan Ali about free tuition at the University.
UG said it welcomes and supports quality free tuition at the University and wherever it can be sustainably offered in the country and noted that the tertiary institution has made no other determinations subsequent to those already made in regard to this year’s graduation planned for November 7th to 9th and November 16th.
The University said recent developing conditions surrounding interpretations by students and others about free tuition has produced some conditions which must be addressed urgently, adding that some of those matters concerning implementation modalities and the paying over of fees owed by prospective graduates and continuing students to the University are being assiduously addressed by the appropriate offices of the University and the Government of Guyana.
UG said as those modalities are being worked out, it is hoped that all eligible students can graduate on time and the operations of the University for which fees have always been needed can continue uninterrupted until January 2025 when this first semester officially ends.
The release from the institution pointed out that even before free tuition was announced, it has extended itself for the past four (4) years, by allowing thousands of students to attend and successfully complete their studies without fully paying fees
“Therefore, there could be no routine reason why the graduations of students already planned would be withheld by the same University which has nurtured them for all this time. However, revenue from fees cover more than 50% of the University of Guyana’s operating expenses and are always desperately needed towards the end of the year,” UG explained.
The University said it is exploring all possible avenues to ensure the operations and best interests of everyone, especially, students who are slated to graduate this year.
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