The University of the West Indies (UWI) and IGL Limited have joined forces, offering a lifeline to enhance the student experience and bolster retention rates at the regional tertiary institution.

Dr Tomlin Paul, the deputy principal of The UWI, Mona, emphasised the university’s unwavering commitment to student success under the new administration.

Speaking during the presentation of eight IGL Ignite Foundation scholarships to students from The UWI Faculty of Medicine and the School of Nursing at UWI Mona, Paul said: “This new university administration at Mona has placed student success as a number one priority. This success is embedded in the student experience, and that experience can be thought of as a journey.”

Paul outlined the key milestones of this journey, including student enrolment, retention, persistence, graduation, and alumni connection. While acknowledging that The UWI currently maintains an 80 per cent student retention rate after the first year of studies, he emphasised the university’s aspiration for even higher rates. Paul remarked, “What we are saying is that two out of every 10 students are not coming back. And we are interested in those two students.”

Financial support emerged as the leading factor impacting student retention, accounting for 20 per cent of cases across the university and a higher 28 per cent in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. Paul affirmed that The UWI is dedicated to supporting its students to the best of its ability, but financial assistance requires external collaboration. The partnership with IGL, he announced, would ensure that students receive the necessary support to stay in their programmes and achieve success over time.

For the upcoming academic year, The UWI will integrate what it calls a Financial GPS into its enrolment plan. This strategic addition aims to empower students by providing them with early awareness of financial demands and support. This way, students can plan not only their academic journey but also their financial path.

Dr Carl Bruce, medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), commended IGL’s dedication, asserting that its relationship with The UWI transcends a mere partnership. He lauded IGL’s extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially its contributions to ensuring a stable supply of medical oxygen to Jamaica’s hospitals and its support for the field hospital at UHWI.

Peter Graham, managing director of IGL, acknowledged the praise on behalf of the company. He highlighted the enduring commitment of the IGL IGNITE Foundation to Jamaica, promoting community welfare and empowering young individuals to realize their aspirations. Graham underscored IGL’s substantial presence in the medical sector, with significant investments in the next generation of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses.

The presentation ceremony at the Faculty of Medical Sciences witnessed the award of IGL Razai Azard Rahaman Scholarships for Medicine to first-year students Alliah Bailey and Tiandra Morgan, as well as continuing students Jeremiah Baker, Lisa-Kaye Hutchings, Shannon Marshall, and Javonnie Myers. IGL Legacy Scholarships for Nursing were also granted to Melissa Bell and Toni-Ann Williams, exemplifying the enduring partnership’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence.