University of The Bahamas Charter Day: Honouring the Promise

10^th November 2025

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Deep reflection, pride and celebration mark this historic 2025 University of The Bahamas (UB) Charter Day, the ninth anniversary of the university’s establishment, as the institution continues to serve as a catalyst for national development and excellence.

From its inception as The College of The Bahamas (COB), born out of the dreams of a newly independent nation, to its standing now as a university of growing distinction, UB’s role in shaping national identity, and progress has never been more significant. On 10^th November 2016, the nation watched with pride as the institution adopted a new charter, mission and vision for national transformation. Today, that mission endures, grounded in purposeful growth, greater capacity-building and the pursuit of excellence.

Dr. Nicolette Bethel, Chair of UB’s Academic Senate, and Professor of Anthropology, describes Charter Day as a moment of reflection and recommitment.

“Charter Day allows the country to celebrate its commitment to higher education and research which drives the development of the nation,” says Dr. Bethel, also a UB alumna. “It also provides the University an opportunity to reflect and celebrate its achievements since 2016, as well as in the last year. It is evident that the University’s graduates and research are making significant contributions to the country; a trend which will only accelerate as the University offers more graduate level programmes.”

The vision of a national university has deep roots. When then Prime Minister Lynden O. Pindling addressed the official opening ceremony for COB in 1977, he foreshadowed that it would one day become a university. That dream took about 40 years to fulfil, but the results have been undeniable. UB’s faculty have educated a new generation of competent professionals in critical areas of national need and who are serving in myriad roles across the globe. Its research has informed national policies, strengthened governance, and supported socio-economic growth.

Now, as the university prepares for its next defining milestone – attaining national and international accreditation – it continues to embrace a culture of continuous improvement centered on student success. This next phase will not only validate UB’s academic standards and rigour but also deepen its impact as globally recognized institution of higher learning.

For students, Charter Day represents national purpose and potential.

“UB’s Charter Day stands as a sacred chapter in our nation’s story,” says Edwin Waldron Jr, President of the Student Government Association (SGA). “It is the day The Bahamas declared that knowledge would be its greatest inheritance and education its most powerful act of nation-building. It is a living testament to the visionaries who believed that a Bahamian mind, when nurtured, could illuminate the world. As we honor this legacy, we also affirm our destiny. UB Charter Day ensures that the University of The Bahamas remains the eternal flame of national progress, lighting the path for generations yet to come.”

Waldron is one of more than 5,200 students enrolled at UB, the largest student population in the university’s history. Among them are nearly 500 students at UB North in Grand Bahama, a resilient community that has risen stronger after challenges like Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. With its new home in Freeport and the vision of becoming a centre of excellence in science, technology, engineering and math, UB North reflects the indomitable spirit of progress that distinguishes UB.

“This Charter Day marks a defining moment as we journey toward accreditation, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in Bahamian academia,” says Denise Barnes, Vice President of UB North. “United in purpose and driven by the legacy of our forebears, we stand proud as a university and as a people. The University of The Bahamas is not just growing, this is nation-building.”

From humble beginnings with a small student population and limited academic offerings in the form of associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas, UB has evolved into a dynamic academic community. It now offers more than 70 baccalaureate programmes and an expanding suite of graduate degrees in business, education, counselling and nursing. The alumni community exceeds 23,000, many of whom are leaders across public and private sectors, while new partnerships and exchange opportunities are positioning UB within a global academic network.

This is what makes the 2025 Charter Day so significant – the celebration of possibility and the affirmation of potential and progress.

“Gain An Edge” is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.

UB Charter Day on 10^th November 2016 garnered great pride and celebration since the university represents the hopes and dreams of a nation to thrive. Photos show the procession of faculty, staff, and students from UB’s Oakes Field Campus to the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium for the official charter ceremony.

Department of Communications (DOC)

University of The Bahamas

2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex

Oakes Field Campus, University Drive

P.O. Box N-4912

Nassau, The Bahamas

Tel: (242).302.4355/4365/4354