With an increasing emphasis on tertiary education and a rising number of related institutions on the landscape, I think that the time has come to take a closer look at the University of Technology (UTech).

First of all, let me make it clear that I have no direct or even indirect interest in this particular entity. I am a graduate of the University of the West Indies and my observations regarding the role and performance of UTech are based entirely on the large body of information that is already within the public domain.

However, I do feel strongly that based on the multiplicity of roles and tasks that it is involved in that the time has come to rename this institution 'the University of Jamaica'.

As we are all fully aware, we live in an age of technology which grows more complex and demanding every day. I do not know where UTech ranks in terms of the level of technology that it teaches or the degrees that it offers in such areas.

Beyond technology

What is abundantly clear is that the total academic scope of the institution appears to go well beyond the boundaries of mere technology. Given the contribution that it is clearly making to the progress and development of Jamaica through the quality of its graduates, its causes and degrees and the progressive nature of its programmes, I feel fully justified in calling upon the powers that be to consider a change of name for UTech to 'the University of Jamaica'.

I am, etc.,

LESLIE A. TOBY

Bog Walk

St Catherine