The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus has announced plans to build a new building to host its Faculty of Engineering as part of its broader strategic vision to expand academic offerings, meet the growing demand for industry-ready graduates, and position Jamaica as a regional hub for innovation, science, and technology.

The announcement was made during UWI Mona’s Annual Business Meeting of the Campus Council held recently, where Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Densil A Williams, presented a bold new vision under the theme “Recentring to the Core: Securing Mona’s Future.”

“The new engineering building will signal a major step in the infrastructure revolution of the campus as we move to expand programmes that are geared toward meeting demand for skillsets that will drive higher value-added outpot for national growth and development”, Williams noted. 

The reimagined Faculty of Engineering building will be part of a suite of major capital development projects on the horizon. Architectural designs for the new Faculty building were unveiled at the Council meeting, featuring modern facilities equipped to support advanced teaching, applied research, and industry partnerships. The infrastructure upgrade is part of the broader campus modernization plan, which also includes renovations to the Main Library, redesigned campus entrances, and expansion of the Western Jamaica Campus.

The planned Engineering building will address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, biomedical, environmental, and computer engineering—fields that are critical to Jamaica’s infrastructure development, digital transformation, climate resilience, and industrial growth.

Williams emphasized that this initiative aligns directly with the UWI’s Triple A Strategy, particularly the pillars of Access, Alignment, and Agility. “This new building will expand enrollment into the high-demand discipline of engineering, provides space for the alignment our offerings with national and global development goals, and allow the institution to respond with agility to the needs of the labour market.”

In addition to increased enrollment,  the Faculty of Engineering will support a wider research agenda in partnership with both local and international institutions. Recent Memoranda of Understanding signed with universities in North America and Africa will set the stage for joint research initiatives, student and faculty exchanges, and collaborations in global health and engineering innovation.

The investment in engineering education also complements ongoing efforts to improve student support, enhance research productivity, and streamline operational efficiency. 

Professor Williams concluded the announcement by reaffirming the university’s role as a catalyst for national development. “We are not just building structures. We are building futures. The Faculty  of Engineering will be a cornerstone of the new Mona, where innovation meets education to transform lives and uplift societies.”

Construction is expected to begin following final approvals of the funding proposal which is now making its way through the UWI approval system. The new building will position UWI Mona at the forefront of regional engineering excellence.