Prime Minister Spencer and Chancellor of Manipal University Dr Ramdas Pai signing the MOU. Photo by Maurice F. Merchant

The Branch Campus is designed to provide education in a number of disciplines including communication studies, nursing, pharmacy, and tourism.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Manipal University, where over two thousand students graduated, Spencer said that the aim is to provide professional education of a high standard to the young people of Antigua and Barbuda and other parts of the Caribbean.

"My government will be very happy to provide the necessary assistance to successfully establish and manage the institution. We look forward to a strong and fruitful relationship with Manipal as we both strive to empower our peoples," said the PM.

Manipal University already collaborates with the American University of Antigua School of Medicine in the granting of degrees recognized in the United States and around the world.

Manipal University is the first private University in India to be recognized by that government. It provides education in a number of fields including engineering, communication studies, medicine, information technology and biotechnology.

In its fifty-three year history, over one hundred and sixty thousand students have been granted degrees.