THE UNIVERSITY of the West Indies (UWI) is going international.
Professor Andrew Downes, Pro-Vice Chancellor in the Office of Planning & Development said that as part of a plan to “contribute to the global knowledge base” while pursuing its developing “educational business model”, UWI was “currently exploring the possibilities of establishing a physical presence in the diaspora”.
This was in addition to tapping into the potentially lucrative African and Latin American markets.
Downes outlined the plans Wednesday night while delivering the Eighth Distinguished Alumni Lecture at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination.
Speaking on the topic, The Funding Of Education At The UWI: The Way Forward, the veteran economist, who is charged with overseeing the implementation of UWI’s strategic plan, said the times had changed and the university did not intend to be left behind.
“The dual purpose of the University of the West Indies certainly will still remain. That is, the university has not only to meet regional human resource and development needs, but as a university it has to contribute to the global knowledge base,” he said. (SC)