In the wake of statements by Registrar of the University of Guyana (UG) Vincent Alexander about a hike in students’ fees being considered, Minister of Education Shaik Baksh has said that such a decision must have “requisite approval” from the university’s council.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in a press release yesterday said it had noted the registrar’s statement in a Guyana Times article yesterday. It was reported that Alexander stated that UG is considering increasing its fees for the next academic year.

UG’s administration, the MoE release said, should be reminded that any increase in students’ fees must have the approval of the Council of the University and it is expected that MoE will be consulted on any such consideration.

It is necessary for the university’s administration to consult with MoE on such matters, the release explained, since it will have implications for the government’s budgetary support for the institution.

Minister Baksh, according to the release, said that on Wednesday Vice Chancellor of UG Professor Lawrence Carrington was called in to discuss matters pertaining to the university and the status of its Strategic Plan.

At the meeting the way forward to meet anticipated deficits in financing the institution was discussed and the vice-chancellor agreed to make a timely submission to the minister for consideration by the government.

Earlier this year, Baksh explained, the government as the main funder of UG had fully discussed the Strategic Plan with top officials of the university including its Chancellor Professor Compton Bourne, Professor Carrington and Pro Chancellor Dr Prem Misir.

Detailed comments were made and a view was expressed by the government on how the Strategic Plan could be improved to ensure the university fulfils its role in contributing to the overall development of Guyana.  Ongoing discussions are being held between the minister and the vice-chancellor.