The University of Guyana (UG) is expanding advanced programmes and reviewing its academic offerings as it works to build a workforce for the country’s growing oil and gas sector. Speaking exclusively with OilNOW on March 30, outgoing Vice Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed said the institution has introduced and adapted multiple programmes aligned with the industry’s value chain.
“We have many programmes. We created several new ones, adapted several others,” Mohamed said, explaining that the programmes are organized to match different segments of the sector.
She said the list shows “the impact and policy implications of what UG is contributing in return for GGI (Greater Guyana Initiative) and ExxonMobil’s extensive support to the University.”
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In upstream activities, which include exploration, appraisal and production, the university offers an Associate of Science in Petroleum Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering, and a Master’s programme in Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy. For midstream operations such as transportation and logistics, UG has introduced programmes including BSc Port Management, BSc Port Security, BSc Marine Transportation, BSc Marine Engineering and BSc Supply Chain Management, along with postgraduate degrees in Supply Chain Management and Procurement Management.
Programmes also target downstream activities and environmental management. Undergraduate options include environmental science, environmental studies, civil engineering with environmental engineering and environmental health, while postgraduate programmes include environmental management, climate change and disaster risk management and natural resources management.
Mohamed said the university has also introduced new fiscal and governance-related training, including an “Associate Degree in Oil & Gas Accounting/Taxation/Audit” and a “Graduate Executive Diploma in Oil & Gas Accounting/Taxation/Audit” for the 2025–2026 period, alongside programmes such as intelligence studies, public administration and energy law.
Mohamed said the programmes are aligned with the needs of Guyana’s offshore industry through constant review and collaboration with companies and other stakeholders.
“Programmes are frequently reviewed and updated in collaboration with industry stakeholders, including ExxonMobil and other sector leaders, like SBM Offshore, Technic, Puffer etc. Feedback from advisory boards, employer surveys, and international benchmarking helps the University ensure that its graduates possess the skills required for areas like reservoir engineering, drilling, project management, and health, safety, and environment (HSE),” she explained.
She added that industry engagement extends to training and research initiatives connected to offshore development. “Our recently launched Institute for Marine and Riverine Economies and Ecologies (IMAREE) was created specifically to address the marine and offshore nature of our oil industry.”
Mohamed also noted, “currently we have partnered with MAERSK and are training 400 people right now in 10 areas of marine studies specifically aligned to the oil and gas offshore industry.”
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Industry partners are also involved in shaping course content and student training. Mohamed said, “companies such as ExxonMobil actively participate in shaping curricula by contributing expertise, guest lectures, and hands-on training modules… Their feedback informs course design, highlights skill gaps, and ensures students learn about current industry challenges.”
