Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) Professor Ivelaw Griffith has signed a memorandum of understanding with Professor David Phoenix Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University (LSBU) to allow for collaboration between the two universities in research and teaching-learning enhancement.
According to a statement from the university, the MoU was signed during a visit from Phoenix and Professor Jaipaul Singh of the University of Central Lancashire to UG. It was during this visit that Professor Phoenix delivered the inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Renaissance Lecture and was presented with the first University of Guyana’s Champion Award by Griffith, for his continued interest in and support for UG and for his exemplary engagement in aiding its rebirth.
The signed agreement allows for the direction of UK Champions Support Group for UG to be decided. This group is, according to the statement, an informal network of senior university executives, chaired by Phoenix, committed to supporting UG.
The statement said that several areas were identified for collaboration, including agriculture, bio-diversity, health sciences, humanities and the soon-to-be-established School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.
In addition to meeting with the Committee of Deans, the visiting professors also met with students and faculty/staff at the university’s Institute for Distance and Continuing Education in New Amsterdam and the Berbice Campus at Tain, Corentyne and held discussions with Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Greg Quinn, the British High Commissioner to Guyana.
A working lunch with civic leaders of New Amsterdam and regions 5 and 6 at State House in New Amsterdam was also held, with these opportunities being used to share developments at UG and further strengthen support for the university’s renaissance, the statement added.
Professor Phoenix, who delivered the inaugural Renaissance Lecture on February 2 at the Turkeyen Campus, spoke on “The Importance of the Entrepreneurial University for Nation-Building,” which has been identified as a priority issue for UG’s administration as it seeks to broaden its funding base beyond government subvention and tuition/fees paid by students.
This expansion is expected to include planned giving, merchandising, public-private partnerships, investments, grants and contracts.
“Grounded in his experience in a similar revitalisation of LSBU since he assumed office three years ago, Professor Phoenix’s ideas were deeply philosophical, informed by the latest research and most importantly, practical, helping the audience to assess and analyse UG’s position,” the statement added.
