Antigua and Barbuda launches new national college in education shake-up
A new tertiary institution described as “revolutionary” has been launched in Antigua and Barbuda, following the amalgamation of three post-secondary colleges.
The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) was formally unveiled at a ceremony on Tuesday at Sandals Grande. It brings together Antigua State College, the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology, and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute.
A fourth institution, the Harrison Centre Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education, is also expected to join the merger.
The consolidation was enabled by the ABCAS Bill 2025, which passed through both houses of parliament earlier this year.
Education Minister Daryll Matthew hailed the move as a milestone for the delivery of tertiary education in the country.
“By bringing these institutions together, we create something bigger, better,” he said, adding that it would provide a seamless pathway for students, from certificate level to bachelor’s degrees.
He acknowledged that administrators may worry about integrating systems and budgets but insisted that such challenges should be seen as opportunities to ensure progress.
Mr Matthew also stressed that the college was designed to widen access.
“It is a deliberate strategy by my administration to ensure that we have an inclusive and progressive society,” he said. “We understand that in order to ensure inclusion, we must provide an entry point for every single Antiguan and Barbudan to improve his skill, or for that matter, to improve his educational standing.”
During the launch, the ABCAS logo was revealed, and the executive team and board of trustees of the new institution were introduced.
The minister described the initiative as an example of the government’s commitment to modernising education and ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda keeps pace with international standards.
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