The University of Guyana began its three days of graduation ceremonies today, with a call by President Irfaan Ali for graduates to remain in Guyana and assist in the building of the country.

In his recorded remarks at this morning’s ceremony, the President said Guyana is in need of people that are trained and qualified. He urged this year’s graduating class to rise to the challenge.

“In this new Guyana, we need all hands on deck, we need you, our qualified graduates to be the builders of this new economy, we need you to bring fresh ideas to the table, as we look to 2030 and beyond our vision for Guyana demands more than just economic growth, it depends shared prosperity, inclusion and sustainability,” the President stated.

More than 3500 students from over 50 disciplines are graduating from the University of Guyana this year.

Today’s ceremony was held for graduates from the Faculties of Engineering and Technology, Agriculture and Forestry and Earth and Environmental Sciences.

This evening another graduating ceremony will be hosted for Faculty of Natural Sciences.

The President said now more than ever, the country is in need of all of its human resources.

“Let me say this as clear as I can, your country needs you, you are qualified and trained and that privilege comes with responsibility, today is a day of celebration but it is also a call to action. Guyana needs each of you to contribute to help build a stronger, more resilient, more inclusive economy that will not benefit not just this generation but generations to come,” the President said.

According to the President, while the country will continue to do well, there are other sectors that must also be developed. He expressed his satisfaction that the University of Guyana has been offering a wide range of programmes to cater to that reality.

“This is a moment of enormous promise for Guyana and you are at the heart of it, know that our country believes in you and has great faith in your ability to lead us forward. As you step out into this new chapter, I urge you to make the most of what the future holds, those who will follow in your footsteps—thousands more who will have the opportunity to learn grow and aspire, will do so thanks to the free education at the University of Guyana and you too will benefit from a complete write off of your tuition fees,” the President told the graduates.

Meanwhile, Chancellor of the University,  Professor Edward Greene said the University of Guyana has been recognized globally for the work it has been doing in recent years, especially the partnerships it has been forging and the new world class programmes it has been offering.

“This is a demonstration of UG’s global presence, its place as a development partner and its achievements that are highly recognized and honoured, locally, regionally and internationally,” the Chancellor said.

The University said this year will see its largest batch of graduates in its sixty-one-year history.

The University has also announced that it will confer a number of Honorary Doctoral Degrees during the ceremonies.

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