The UWI Five Islands Campus (FIC) experienced remarkable growth, operational maturity, and expanded regional influence during the 2024/2025 academic year, positioning the Campus as a leading driver of tertiary education and innovation in the Eastern Caribbean.
Total enrolment surged by 77%, reaching 1,403 students, and Semester One enrolment surpassed 1,000 for the first time. Tuition revenue climbed 65% to EC$7.08 million, with total revenue at EC$29.31 million, reflecting a robust financial trajectory. This increase was driven by technology-driven improvements to the applicant pipeline, including automated admissions, enhanced reporting, and coordinated applicant engagement. These measures improved conversion rates and the overall student experience.
The Campus expanded access across undergraduate, postgraduate, and short- course offerings, emphasising education as a tool for transformation. Awards to learners increased from 132 in 2022 to 341 in 2024.
Purposeful community engagement led to a participant from the prison community delivering the valedictory address, exemplifying the impact of UWI’s Seeds of Hope Programme, which fosters rehabilitation through education.
Facility upgrades included a new student computer lab, a multi-science laboratory, informal learning spaces, and improved amenities, all contributing to a more inclusive and supportive student environment. The Campus also broadened its regional reach, attracting students from across the OECS and deepening engagement with secondary schools.
FIC strengthened industry alignment and employability through initiatives such as the annual Career Expo, which brought together employers, students, and secondary school participants. The Campus hosted the Pan American Health Organisation’s HEARTS Initiative, a first for university campuses globally, highlighting FIC’s growing stature in health leadership. Academic and public engagement advanced through high-profile events, including a public lecture by Professor Mario Sousa, the second annual Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Conference, and the 26th Annual SALISES Conference, enhancing FIC’s reputation as a hub for research and policy dialogue.
Community partnerships flourished, notably through the adoption of Five Islands Primary School and successful fundraising events. The Campus fostered inclusivity and national pride by hosting the Independence Village and Food Fair. Student support was bolstered by philanthropic initiatives, including the donation of 20 laptops, and health outreach was maintained via recurring wellness campaigns.
The academic portfolio evolved to address regional workforce needs, with preparatory work underway for new programmes in health sciences, food and agriculture, and legal studies. Institutional quality was affirmed through renewal of registration by the Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board. FIC Insights, a feedback system, was launched to enhance responsiveness and continuous improvement in service delivery.
Research capacity expanded, anchored by the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and Blue Economy. The BEACON Project’s selection as a finalist in a UN Global Call and a US$250,000 partnership with the International Seabed Authority marked major advances for marine science and climate resilience research. Faculty contributed significantly to regional and international scholarship, reinforcing FIC’s growing research profile.
The Campus expanded its human resource base with new academic and professional appointments, enhanced performance management, and ongoing staff development. These efforts supported the needs of a growing student population and underpinned institutional effectiveness.
The modernisation agenda advanced rapidly with the deployment of Banner SaaS, including Student and Finance modules, achieving record implementation timelines. Academic technology support, classroom readiness, and service desk operations were enhanced to ensure a stable digital learning environment. Communication and coordination with UWI stakeholders improved and strengthened operational responsiveness.
Financial sustainability improved alongside operational growth. Revenue increased by 19%, staff costs as a proportion of revenue declined, and total assets reached EC$35.14 million. The accumulated surplus rose to EC$29.55 million, providing a solid base for future investment and programme growth.
FIC advanced innovation and entrepreneurship through platforms such as the Caribbean AI Conference and community webinars, fostering applied learning, skills development, and industry partnerships. The Campus prioritised innovation in student recruitment through initiatives such as Walk-In Wednesday clinics, which provide real-time support to prospective students. Plans for dedicated innovation and practical learning spaces were embedded in expansion blueprints, supporting future enterprise and creativity.
The year closed with the Five Islands Campus firmly positioned for continued growth and leadership within the UWI system and the wider Caribbean. Achievements in enrolment, revenue generation, academic development, research, community engagement, and operational modernisation underscore FIC’s role as a responsive, accessible, and self- sustaining institution. The Campus is on a trajectory to deepen its regional impact as it enters its next phase of development.
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