Students of the University of Guyana will be taking to the picket line today in protest at the recently announced 5% increase in tuition fees.
On Friday, students received emails from the university’s administration informing them of the increase. Since the announcement, many students have expressed their dissatisfaction at the university announcement.
The protest was announced on social media and it encouraged students to join a peaceful march. The march begins from the Railway Embankment (line top) of UG Road to the University’s Administration building beginning at 9 am. Students are encouraged to assemble at 8:45am.
The march has been organised by students who are calling on the administration of the university to reverse its decision since they were never consulted on the hike.
The increase raises the annual fee from $160,000 to $168,000.
The email, which was signed off by the Deputy Registrar, Barbara Reynolds on behalf of the Registrar, stated that the decision was made by the Finance and General Purposes Committee, which approved an annual 5% increase for the academic years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018.
Many students have complained that the university fees are being raised but they are not seeing the improvements which the university is claiming to fund through the fees.
Students have highlighted the need for proper washroom facilities, lecture rooms, furniture, better security systems, public announcement systems and a library.
