The Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) will be meeting with students of the University of Guyana today, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, to discuss the rise in tuition fees at the institution.
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University of Guyana Student Society, the tuition was increased by 15% while facility fees remain untouched. The body added that given previous meetings, the increase in tuition should serve as no surprise.
“A 20% increase was NOT the path to take. Through our valiant efforts, we were able to decrease the increase to 15%. Facility fees remain untouched. There are also plans to improve the Loan Agency, among other procedural activities. Loan Agency will also soon start making provisions for the loaning of facility fees,” the PRO said in a statement.
It has also promised a meeting with the Senior Executives of the University of Guyana and the Executive of the UGSS to address students’ concerns. However, some students have since expressed concerns that their comments were not sought before the decision was taken, noting that the student population cannot afford such a huge added financial burden at this time.
The leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo met with Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith on Tuesday (March 28, 2017).
Also, Jagdeo visited the Texila American University Campus at Providence valued at some US $10 million. The Providence Campus was recently completed, and the university is eyeing international accreditation for its medical programme.
Currently, the school which first came to Guyana in 2010, has more than 500 students drawn from several countries.