Last Wednesday on Teachers’ Day, The Mico University College was privileged to host The Most Honourable Dr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, at our Marescaux Road campus. This landmark visit was more than ceremonial. It celebrated our nearly 200-year legacy as the Western Hemisphere’s oldest teacher training institution, and was filled with warmth and shared vision. The visit ignited a renewed commitment to transforming Jamaica’s education system, uniting our community and reinforcing the Prime Minister’s belief that quality education is key to Jamaica’s future. 

Highlighting The Mico’s legacy

Since 1836, The Mico has been the cornerstone of Jamaica’s education, currently training approximately 500 teachers annually, through 12 bachelor’s and five master’s programmes, including 250 STEM scholarship spaces. Our holistic approach shapes not only teachers but also leaders. It was most recently evidenced in our 2025 Penn Relays triumph, where athletes Rasheed Foster and Rimando Thomas won two gold medals and one silver, embodying the legacy of excellence and integrity the Miconians live for.  

Having invested in our students’ comprehensive development, The Mico now boasts having globally competitive teams on the intercollegiate circles. This weekend Foster will even represent Jamaica at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, a rewarding return for the University College’s 4 x 100 relay champion. Last year our female and male volleyball teams finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in national competitions, and our cricketers are attracting the attention of professional cricket clubs. Just this week, two of The Mico’s students were invited to join the Jamaica Titans to play for a spot in the West Indies Break-out Cricket League.   

The Prime Minister’s visit honored all angles of The Mico’s this legacy, from signing the Official Register to touring the INAFCA Museum (which holds the largest collection of Indian and African artifacts across the Caribbean) and engaging our community at the Enos Nuttall Lecture Theatre. This presence on Teachers’ Day paid genuine tribute to our educators, whose tireless efforts helped ensure the day’s success, and motivated our students to work towards becoming the best educators they can be.

Acknowledging commitments

The Prime Minister’s support for our Strategic Plan (2023–2028) became a defining moment and a symbol of the visit’s relevance. Dr. Holness’ commitment to supporting The Mico’s full university status through an Act of Parliament, will amplify our global influence and expand innovative programmes. Equally, his pledge to support the STEM and Business Incubation Centre, alongside other partners, aligns with Jamaica’s ambition to become a STEM city, fostering research and innovation. 

Dr. Holness’ also recognized Mico CARE’s vital work, and the fact that we are eager to serve 1,345 children awaiting diagnostic and therapeutic services. The Prime Minister offered to fund the training of a bonded speech therapist to help address a critical gap, since only 12 speech specialists are in Jamaica, and none in the public sector. 

Even the restoration of our historic Buxton Building, a heritage landmark, also earned his support, with promises to engage the Minister of Culture and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust for its rehabilitation. Beyond these, Dr. Holness’ swift response to our students’ commuting challenges is worth commending. He promised the installation of street lights on Marescaux Road, and a school bus to help reduce commuting risks for students. The Prime Minister demonstrated a deep care for our community’s safety and well-being, and earned heartfelt gratitude from Miconians.

Looking forward with a unified vision

The Mico is acting swiftly to take advantage of the Prime Minister’s commitments. The University College is drafting proposals for a Bill to secure university status, it will be guided by Dr. Holness, to help ensure parliamentary success. Our partnerships with the government and private sector will drive the STEM Centre and Mico CARE’s expansion, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of a world-class education system. And these initiatives are grounded in innovation and equity. They will empower educators to prepare Jamaica’s youth from all walks of life for a dynamic future.

After the Prime Minister’s visit I echoed a previous call to action. Our students, faculty, and alumni have been leading with integrity across Jamaica, they help shape the society through education, for nearly 200 years their dedication helps to secure The Mico’s position as a national treasure!. All Jamaicans should join us in building a system where every child thrives. 

Elevating the Mico’s status will set the institution apart as the only legislated university primarily focused on teacher education. The move will enhance The Mico’s research capabilities and capacity, enabling an expansion of the student body and course options while we help to develop the policy, best practices and systems required to forge a new chapter—one where education transforms lives and elevates our beloved nation.