Georgetown, Guyana – June 23, 2026
Texila American University proudly celebrated a landmark achievement in higher education at the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) 4th Graduation Ceremony, held at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown, Guyana, on June 23, 2026.
A total of 155 graduates from Texila American University were conferred their degrees during the ceremony, representing a diverse range of Master’s and Doctoral programmes.
| Programme | No. of Graduates |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management | 30 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health | 5 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 56 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 40 |
| Master of Science in Clinical Psychology | 2 |
| Master of Science in Counseling Psychology | 18 |
| Master of Science in Information Technology | 4 |
| Grand Total | 155 |
The graduating cohort successfully completed programmes offered under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship Programme, reflecting Texila American University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and national human capital development.
The graduation ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Hon. Savitri Sonia Parag, Minister of Education, Hon. Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour, and Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture, along with senior government officials, educational leaders, university representatives, graduates, and their families.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the graduation of the first-ever GOAL-sponsored doctoral cohort, comprising 30 PhD in Management graduates and 5 PhD in Public Health graduates from Texila American University.
This historic achievement established Texila American University as the first academic partner under the GOAL Scholarship Programme to successfully produce and graduate doctoral scholars, marking a defining moment in Guyana’s higher education landscape. The graduation of these 35 doctoral scholars represents the first batch of PhD graduates produced through the GOAL initiative since its inception in 2021.
Representing Texila American University at the ceremony were Mr. Saravanan K. R., Academic Head – College of Non-Medicine Programs, and Mr. Kishore Kumar, Assistant Director – Admissions, who represented Texila American University and proudly presented the University’s graduating cohort during the official proceedings of GOAL’s 4th Graduation Ceremony.
While delivering the keynote address on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh described the occasion as “a source of immense personal, governmental, and national pride” as Guyana celebrated its first-ever batch of 35 doctoral graduates through the GOAL scholarship programme.
Dr. Singh highlighted the remarkable success of GOAL, noting that the programme has awarded 54,793 scholarships, significantly surpassing its original target of 20,000 scholarships. Established in 2021, GOAL was designed to remove barriers related to cost, geography, and inequality in access to higher education and to create opportunities for Guyanese citizens to pursue quality education.
In his keynote address, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh emphasized the Government’s commitment to developing a highly educated and skilled workforce capable of leading Guyana’s transformation and growth. He reminded graduates that:
“The future of Guyana is not something you inherit, the future of Guyana is something you will be helping to create.”
He encouraged graduates to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills not only for personal advancement but also for national development, reinforcing the Government’s belief that Guyana’s greatest resource is its people.
In her congratulatory message to the graduates, Hon. Savitri Sonia Parag, MP, Minister of Education, commended the transformative impact of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) in expanding access to tertiary education across Guyana. She noted that more than 54,000 scholarships have been awarded since the programme’s launch and emphasized that GOAL has successfully broken barriers related to distance, cost, and accessibility. The Minister highlighted that the programme’s greatest achievement is reflected in the lives transformed through education and encouraged graduates to continue pursuing excellence while contributing to the continued progress and development of Guyana.
Adding to the University’s historic achievements, Dr. Tandeka Alana Barton, a graduate of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health programme, was recognized as the Valedictorian of GOAL’s 4th Graduation Ceremony 2026. Her accomplishment reflects the highest standards of academic excellence, perseverance, and leadership demonstrated by the graduating class.
The scrolls were formally presented by Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, who congratulated the graduates on their achievements and encouraged them to continue contributing to the advancement of their professions, communities, and the nation.
The ceremony reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and Texila American University in expanding access to quality higher education while fostering academic excellence, research, innovation, leadership, and lifelong learning.
Texila American University extends its heartfelt congratulations to all 155 graduates and expresses sincere appreciation to the Government of Guyana (GoG), the Ministry of Education (MoE), Dr. Jacob Opadeyi, Director of GOAL, Ms. Denecia Mohan, Programme Manager, the entire GOAL team, faculty members, PhD guides, mentors, and support staff for their unwavering commitment, guidance, and collaborative efforts in making this achievement possible. The University acknowledges their invaluable contribution in empowering learners, fostering academic excellence, and supporting the successful graduation of 155 graduates, including the first-ever GOAL-sponsored doctoral graduates.
As these graduates embark on the next chapter of their professional and academic journeys, Texila American University remains steadfast in its mission to develop future leaders, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Guyana and the global community.
Authored by,
Saravanan K. R. – Academic Head, College of Non-Medicine Programs
