The Senate has officially passed the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies Bill 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push to modernize and unify its tertiary education system.

Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia, who led the second reading of the bill, hailed it as both historic and transformational. She said the legislation will bring together four key institutions—Antigua State College, the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology (ABIIT), the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI), and the Harrison Center for Continuing Education—into one consolidated body: the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS).

“This is the first time in our country’s history that we are consolidating these institutions into one cohesive body,” Govia told the Senate. “It establishes ABCAS as a centre of excellence, equipping our people with the tools, skills, and values needed for national development.”

Govia emphasized that the amalgamation will help standardize tuition fees and make higher education more affordable, noting that some programmes currently cost as much as $14,000 per semester. She said the bill also introduces a corporate governance model, with a board of trustees representing key national sectors such as tourism, ICT, construction, education, and health.

The legislation outlines a robust administrative structure, including a president, vice president, registrar, bursar, and campus principals. Each existing campus will retain its physical identity but operate under the centralized ABCAS framework.

The bill also establishes an Academic Council and Disciplinary Committee to ensure academic integrity and institutional accountability. A dedicated trust fund will be created to reduce financial reliance on the government’s Consolidated Fund.

“There has been extensive consultation and research since 2017, including the work of a steering board led by Deputy Director of Education Dr. Green,” Govia said. “This is not an idea we just woke up with—this is part of a long-term plan to uplift our youth and education system.”

The bill received full support from the Senate and was passed without amendment. ABCAS is now set to become the new flagship institution for tertiary education in Antigua and Barbuda.