Recent Posts
December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
The University of Guyana on Thursday hosted the first in a series of 2025 convocation ceremonies, celebrating the achievements of graduates from four faculties and marking the institution’s 59th convocation. The event was held at the Turkeyen Campus.
Students from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (Intra-Mural) received their certificates. They are among nearly 3,600 students expected to graduate this year.
Delivering the feature address was Professor Clement Sankat, who was also conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree.
In an address focused on national transformation and professional readiness, Professor Sankat underscored the pace of change in Guyana and the demands now placed on institutions and the labour force.
He reminded graduates that they are entering a country undergoing major shifts in sectors such as energy, engineering, agriculture, environmental sciences, ICT, health, and education.
He stressed that longstanding and newly built institutions must adapt to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving nation.
Addressing graduates directly, he described the moment as “a new Guyana, full of promise and opportunity,” and offered guiding principles for their professional lives: lifelong learning, mastering fundamentals, discipline, reliability, clear communication, technological competence, and safeguarding integrity, which he called the hallmark of true professionals.
He also urged them to embrace mentorship, build strong networks, protect the environment, and remain willing to start small as they enter the workforce.
“Your first tasks may not be glamorous. Do them well. Every great career begins with small responsibilities,” he advised.
Speaking passionately about institutional development — a cause he said has defined his career — Professor Sankat emphasized that Guyana’s long-term success depends not only on natural resources but on strong institutions and capable people.
“Natural wealth alone does not make a nation great. Institutions and people do,” he stated.
For agriculture graduates, he highlighted the sector’s expanding opportunities.
“Agriculture is wealth creation. It is agribusiness. It is entrepreneurship. Do not wait for a job — create one,” he said, noting that many young graduates are already doing so.
As he concluded, Professor Sankat reminded the Class of 2025 that while their degrees are significant, their character will ultimately define their impact.
“Guyana’s success will not be measured by how much oil we extract or how much gold we mine, but by the competence of our people, the strength of our institutions, and the character of our nation,” he said.
He encouraged graduates to move forward with integrity, discipline, humility, and resilience, noting that education remains the most powerful instrument for transforming Guyana and the wider region.
