THE College of The Bahamas will fully transition into the University of The Bahamas on November 10, ushering in a complete paradigm shift in the culture and fabric of The Bahamas, according to Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald.

Officials made the landmark announcement yesterday during a press conference at the college’s Harry C. Moore Library, where officials laid out a 12-day schedule of events across New Providence and Grand Bahama to mark the historic occasion.

Bookended by a service of thanksgiving on Sunday, November 6, and a plaque unveiling for the institution’s northern campus on Thursday, November 17, the events bring to an end a 14-year process initiated in 2002 by the first Christie administration.

“I am deeply honoured to be here to speak to this significant moment in the history of our nation,” said the Marathon MP. He added that government has long-held a vision for modern education, a journey mapped out by Prime Minister Perry Christie 14 years ago.

“Now, this vision is finally being realised,” he affirmed. “Today, it is my distinct pleasure to announce, on behalf of the government, that November 10 will be our Charter Day and the day that we will officially become The University of The Bahamas.”

Mr. Fitzgerald insisted that the college’s transition to university status will be a “paradigm shift in the culture and fabric of our country as it relates to tertiary education and national development as a whole.”

He added: “It is a shift in how we experience higher education in The Bahamas, as we will be amongst many other nations who boast of having a national university. We are here today to witness the building of a more modern nation.”

According to Mr. Fitzgerald, COB has operated at a university level for quite sometime now, as the institution has graduated some 70 per cent of its latest class with bachelor degrees; offers more than 60 diverse degree programmes; progressed in its development of graduate programmes; and increased productivity in research and publication output.

COB President Dr. Rodney Smith said the institution was working relentlessly with a multi-ministerial team to coordinate all public and private activities surrounding Charter Day.

These include officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Works; Departments of Customs and Immigration; the Royal Bahamas Police Force; Bahamas Information Services; ZNS; the National Sports Authority and the Public Health Authority.

Additionally, Dr. Smith confirmed that paraphernalia of the University of The Bahamas will go on sale on November 5.

The public is encouraged to buy and sport the royal blue paraphernalia - the official colours of The University of The Bahamas - throughout the 12-day establishment period.

Further to this, over the next several weeks, COB is also expected to continue it processes of programme and faculty enhancement, mirroring its transition process across the board.

The University of The Bahamas Bill 2016 was passed in the Senate earlier this month, shortly after being debated and passed by the House of Assembly.

By Ricardo Wells, Tribune Staff Reporter

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