Sir Ronald Sanders has been formally installed as the 11th Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), with President Dr. Irfaan Ali telling the inauguration ceremony that the veteran diplomat and academic is well placed to help steer the institution through a period of rapid national and global change.
The installation took place on Friday at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre on UG’s Turkeyen Campus, where the Head of State said Sanders brings a rare mix of regional development experience, diplomacy, research, academia and public service, qualities he believes will help UG deepen its ties to international academic and policy circles.
The Head of State urged closer alignment between the university’s outlook and Guyana’s national direction, arguing that such coordination should benefit not only the institution but also graduates and the wider country.
While acknowledging the value of traditional qualifications, the President said UG must continue adjusting its programmes to meet national development priorities and international standards, especially as Guyana’s labour market evolves.
He placed strong emphasis on the university’s research output, contending that credible institutions must produce work that withstands scrutiny and contributes meaningfully to development.
Ali also pressed for stronger links between UG’s academic offerings and internationally recognised professional certifications, which he said can give graduates a practical advantage in the job market.
He pointed to examples such as aligning project management programmes with the Project Management Institute (PMI) certification and accountancy degrees with ACCA standards.
The President referenced a recently launched welding and fabrication initiative delivered in partnership with the United Kingdom, noting that most participants secured employment, an outcome he attributed largely to the international certification attached to the training.
“As the University of Guyana advances towards its destiny as a world-class centre of tertiary education,” Ali said, Sanders’ knowledge, global standing and leadership would be a significant asset. He also rejected the idea that the chancellorship is merely symbolic, noting that the position carries defined responsibilities under the University of Guyana Act, which establishes the Chancellor as the university’s head and chief officer and as president of its council and graduates’ guild, with a duty to protect the institution’s standards and heritage.
The President also thanked outgoing Chancellor Professor John Edward Greene for his service and contribution to the university. During the ceremony, Sir Ronald Sanders made the required declaration before being officially installed.
Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Education Minister Sonia Parag, and Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally, along with other officials and invited guests.
