And from that primary school to the national university, in November of last year, St John's Junior College was given the green light to become a 4-year institution. That means it became another competitor for the University of Belize. Today we asked the Minister of Education if he believes this move will have a detrimental effect on UB since many students, especially those in Belize City, will likely opt for SJC.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"UB is making great strides under the leadership of Dr Vincent Palacio we have new leadership there, we have a new sense of purpose, new energy, we have a very good board of directors, so I think UB is making great strides and we had, and I certainly had consultations with the chairman of the university and the president before supporting the application from St John's College to become a four year institution. We all felt that UB needed to do more, UB needed to do better so we want to push them, we want to encourage them, we want to motivate them so they see what's happening at SJC as an opportunity for them to say to their team we have to do more, we have to work harder, so I think that's providing greater opportunities for Belizeans through SJC is an excellent opportunity, that doesn't take away from the great work that is taking place University of Belize."
Courtney Menzies
"Do you think UB, though, can withstand the competition, especially in its humanities area because for humanities, that's in Belmopan?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"Absolutely, UB has strong enrollment and I could tell you that every single day at the Ministry of Education, we hear from students who need support and want assistance to attend the University of Belize, I think UB has established a good high standard in the humanities in particular and I think that will continue to be the case so I think they have a very good reputation and I think students will continue to be attracted to the University of Belize."
