With more applications, focus now on expanding UG’s reach 

The University of Guyana’s reach across the country is being expanded as part of efforts to better position the tertiary education institution respond to the needs of the rapidly developing society. 

This was made clear during the Consideration of the Estimates for the Ministry of Education’s 2026 budget. Allocations for UG were the subject of much discussion among Parliamentarians on both sides of the House. 

Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul led the questioning for the allocations going towards UG. He was keenly interested in UG’s staffing and whether the institution was able to accommodate the growing number of applicants, now that tuition had been abolished and interest had grown. 

He also pressed on in-person learning capacity, noting that a student’s physical presence in an academic institution moulds them into more rounded graduates due to their interactions with other students and involvement in extra-curricular activities. 

In response, Minister of Education Sonia Parag said the institution has offering both virtual and in-person classes at the Turkeyen and Tain campuses. However, Parag also highlighted that UG has expanded its reach by way of establishing classrooms for medical and engineering studies in Regions Two, Three, and Six. Plans are afoot for the establishment of these facilities in Region 10, too. 

“So, for example, if you’re in Regions Three, Six, or Two and you’re applying for medicine or engineering, you can remain right in your region and do that. We’re creating the seating for you,” she explained. 

Beyond this, the Education Minister said a rapid assessment would soon be conducted at UG to determine how the university can be better aligned with Guyana’s ongoing transformation and skill development needs. Once that assessment is complete, more support can be directed towards the university in targeted ways. 

In Budget 2026, UG has been allocated $14.5 billion. Overall, the Ministry of Education fot $100.2 billion; this sum was approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply on Wednesday night.