Last Updated on Monday, 9 March 2026, 13:48 by Written By Denis Chabrol
Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin’s term as Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) is coming to an end, and she is backing efforts to look for a replacement.
“I fully support the search for a new Vice Chancellor and hope that if any of you or anyone in your network would wish to offer themselves for this most significant and noble service, you will share or respond to this advertisement for a new Vice Chancellor for our beloved University,” she said to fellow UG graduates.
UG has since advertised for a Vice Chancellor and set April 17, 2026 as the deadline for applications.
“The University now seeks a transformational academic leader capable of positioning the institution as a centre of research excellence, professional training, and regional influence in a rapidly evolving economy,” the advertisement states.
UG also says its Council is committed to strengthening governance clarity, enhancing accountability, and supporting strategic reform consistent with the university’s statutory mandate.
Dr Mohamed-Martin was appointed UG Vice Chancellor on June 9, 2020, and was the first female in that position.
Prior to taking up the post as VC, she had served in various positions during her 19 years as a university staff member.
They included being chair of the Transitional Management Committee (TMC), Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE), Professor of Behavioural Sciences, Director of The Centre for Communication Studies and Dean of The Faculty of Social Sciences.
The Vice Chancellor leaves the top UG post following recent appointments of Dr Randy Persaud as Pro-Chancellor and Guyana-born Antigua and Barbuda diplomat, Sir Ronald Sanders as Chancellor.
In its search for a new Vice Chancellor, the UG Council states that it prefers someone with experience within the Caribbean region or in developing country contexts, though distinguished candidates from the wider international academic community are encouraged to apply.
UG says Guyana is undergoing one of the most dynamic periods of economic growth and structural transformation in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Expansion in energy production, infrastructure modernisation, economic diversification, and increasing global engagement are reshaping national priorities and workforce demands.
“As the country’s premier public university, the University of Guyana must lead in developing advanced human capital, expanding research capacity, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and contributing rigorous, independent expertise to national and regional development,” UG says.
