Georgetown: The tenth Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Guyana (UG), Professor Ivelaw Griffith will no longer be at the University after June 14, 2019.
He had indicated that he no longer wishes to have his contract renewed at the academic institution.
“The University Council accepted his withdrawal and hereby notifies the public that as of June 14, 2019, Professor Griffith, who is at present on terminal leave, shall cease to be Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana,” the University’s Administration said in a statement.
It was explained that the Council had convened to make a determination on the matter of the renewal or non-renewal of Professor Griffith’s contract. At the centre of the issue was the evaluation of his term in office as one basis for the determination of the matter.
Professor Griffith was appointed the Tenth Principal and Vice Chancellor of The University of Guyana in June 2016, having served earlier as Executive-in-Residence at The University at Albany, State University of New York, and the Ninth President of Fort Valley State University in Georgia.
On May 23, the Council ordered Professor Griffith to proceed on terminal leave, effective May 28, 2019. The University’s Administration said the decision was in accordance with the terms and conditions of his contract.
Before the beginning of his terminal leave, however, it was made known that Professor Griffith had expressed interest in renewing his contract. Upon hearing this, the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) intensified their calls for Professor Griffith’s removal. The unions claimed that under his leadership funds were misappropriated instead of being used to develop the teaching space. A call was also made for an overhaul of the institution’s senior administration.
The UG Council had decided that before any decision is made on either the renewal or non-renewal of the contract, an evaluation would be done on Griffith’s performance- as long advocated for by the unions.
“The Team has been identified to take control of the Management of the University with effect from June 14, 2019, until such time that a new Vice-Chancellor is appointed,” Pro-Chancellor Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh said on Friday.
The Pro-Chancellor said the University Council will continue to pursue its agenda, including the conduct of a Management Audit, the identification of a new Chancellor and the soon to commence search for a new Vice-Chancellor.
“The University Council looks forward to a cessation of the recent exchanges in the media on the University’s internal processes, but in the interest of openness, will keep the University Community and the wider society informed of unfolding developments as the University seeks to continue its work and to provide for a seamless transition of leadership in the interest of its students, faculty and staff members,” the University said.
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