The College of The Bahamas will officially transition into the University of The Bahamas on November 10, 2016 – designated as the university’s official Charter Day – in fulfilment of a vision for higher education and the national development of The Bahamas expressed more than four decades ago.

Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald made the announcement during a press conference held August 25 at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre, located at The College’s Oakes Field Campus.

“Today, it is my distinct pleasure to announce, on behalf of the government, that November 10 will be our Charter Day and the day that we will officially become the University of The Bahamas,” Minister Fitzgerald said.

“I want you to know that the road to university does not just mean passing a bill or changing a name – it is a paradigm shift in the culture and fabric of our country as it relates to tertiary education and national development as a whole.

“It is a shift in how we experience higher education in The Bahamas, as we will be amongst many other nations who boast of having a national university. We are here today to witness the building of a more modern nation.”

A slate of national events in the month of November will commemorate the official establishment of the University of The Bahamas. Among them are a church service, plaque unveiling, Charter Day ceremony, panel featuring university presidents and installation of the President of the University, Dr Rodney D Smith.

Dr Smith is currently serving as the president of the College of The Bahamas.

The Act of Parliament under which the University is being established was passed this summer. Under the University of The Bahamas Act, an enabling environment will be created for the institution to become internationally accredited and a nucleus for intellectual discourse and research that undergirds national development goals.