The University of Guyana is building a new science and technology building at a cost of US$1.5 million, thanks to the Greater Guyana Initiative – a partnership between the government and the three co-venturers in the Stabroek Block development offshore Guyana.
The new building is expected to benefit thousands of students looking to develop careers in science, technology, and engineering.
The 15,000 square feet of new space will house facilities for the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Earth and Environment Sciences. It will include a conference room, classrooms, offices, laboratories, and much more.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Verlyn Klass, reported that the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) contributed towards the establishment of the building.
She also said that investments such as this one from the GGI would “allow the study of engineering to become more attractive” while assisting the institution in “producing better engineers and architects” for the development of the country.
It was also made known that the University recently had its highest number of graduates in the engineering sector, representing a 72% increase in the last six years. This included the first batch of petroleum engineering graduates.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin added that a series of new projects are set to be unveiled throughout next year aimed at further developing the institution and its students.
ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd. Country Manager Alistair Routledge said the success in the oil discovery journey allowed for the GGI to be able to set aside a “tremendous fund” to support projects such as this new building, which will ultimately develop the oil and gas sector in the country as well as the Guyanese people.