“The real engine of transformation is you” – Pres Ali to UG graduands

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday emphasised the importance of continuous learning to this year’s graduands of the University of Guyana (UG), noting that their greatest skill in life will be the ability to keep learning.
The Head of State highlighted that Guyana’s economy is rapidly expanding and its society is evolving “in ways once thought impossible”. Nevertheless, he noted that “the real engine of this transformation is not oil…it is people; it is you.”
President Ali emphasised that development depends on people who are accomplished, qualified and future-ready.
“The Guyana we are building needs engineers and educators, innovators and entrepreneurs, health professionals and policy thinkers…”
As he recommitted his administration’s intention to ensure every Guyanese, regardless of background, can aspire to higher learning, the President stressed the importance of continuous education.
“Learning must never end; education cannot stop at graduation; it must become a lifelong pursuit,” he affirmed, noting that the world is changing faster than ever before.
“Technology evolves daily, industries reinvent themselves overnight. In such a world, the greatest skill is the ability to keep learning, keep adapting and keep growing. Upskilling, the continuous enhancement of knowledge and abilities, is now essential,” the President stated.
This, he noted, is not just a professional advantage but a national imperative.
Speaking on his Administration’s move to offer tuition-free education at UG, the Head of State explained that the success of the tertiary educational institution will not be measured by enrolment figures but by the impact of graduands and their capacity to drive national transformation.
This year’s UG graduands, he explained, are the future workforce of Guyana, and they must become globally competitive, technologically driven and environmentally responsible.
He further posited that free UG education does not only open the doors of access in ensuring no capable mind is left behind, but it must also raise the standard of excellence.
“Your education has empowered you; now let your learning empower others, let your curiosity drive change, let your ideas move Guyana forward,” President Ali expressed.
Remain grounded in service
Education Minister Sonia Parag has urged graduands of the UG to “remain grounded in service to your community and your country”.
UG’s 59th Annual Graduation Ceremonies began on Thursday and will last until November 22, with an additional ceremony on December 6 for the Berbice campus.
Almost 3600 students are set to graduate, the largest batch in the university’s 62-year history.
Delivering remarks at the graduation ceremony on Thursday, Minister Parag told the graduating students that the event marks not only their academic success, but also the “passion, determination and resilience that brought you to this moment”.
Speaking on Guyana’s rapid development across all sectors, the education minister emphasised that opportunities are expanding and new industries are emerging.
“UG has equipped you with the knowledge and values that our nation needs… Your education is not just a personal gift to you; it is a national investment. You are the engineers of Guyana’s future, you are the educators who will inspire the next generation, you are the innovators who will solve challenges we have not yet imagined,” she noted.
“You represent the creativity, intelligence and leadership that will drive Guyana forward,” the minister added.
Moreover, she explained that this graduation ceremony must not mark the end of graduands’ learning but the beginning of their leadership.
She urged them to lead with integrity, seek solutions, not excuses, and “lift others as you climb”.
UG has produced over 70,000 graduates in its 62-year history, many of whom have gone on to serve with distinction at the highest levels in both the private and public sectors, nationally and internationally.