Antigua and Barbuda: ABCAS welcomes more than 1,200 students in first unified intake

Observer News Desk More than 1,200 students have enrolled at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) for the 2026/2027 academic year, marking the institution’s first intake since five tertiary institutions were brought together under one college. The students are pursuing programmes across five campuses, each housing a specialised school. The School of Business, Innovation and Information Technology operates at the Eustace Hill Campus, while the School of Tourism and Hospitality is based at the Muriel O’Mard Campus. The Harrison Centre houses the School of Technical and Vocational Education; the Dr Alister Francis Campus is home to the School of Education, Arts, Science and Industry; and the School of Agriculture operates at the Glanvilles Campus. The agriculture school has also welcomed its first cohort of eight students. ABCAS said the milestone forms part of a broader effort to strengthen agricultural training and create clearer pathways for young people interested in careers and entrepreneurship in the sector. Education, Science and Technology Minister Daryll Matthew said the inaugural intake reflects the wider purpose of merging the five institutions. “ABCAS was established to do more than bring five institutions under one name. It allows us to pool resources, expertise and facilities that previously existed across separate institutions and use them more effectively for the benefit of our students,” Matthew said. He added that the unified structure provides an opportunity to reduce duplication, improve the quality and range of programmes and build clearer pathways from education and training into sectors where the country needs skilled workers. ABCAS President Dr E. Jonah Greene said students should benefit from the combined strengths of the college’s five campuses. “Each of our campuses brings its own expertise, experience and areas of specialisation, and our responsibility is to ensure those strengths work together,” Greene said. He said the college’s focus is to provide students with a strong education, practical preparation and the support needed to progress to further study, employment or entrepreneurship. ABCAS said it remains committed to delivering relevant, high-quality academic, technical and vocational education that prepares students to pursue their ambitions and contribute to national development.

Source: antiguaobserver.com