The rival United Democratic Party assumed power in December 1984 and later established an alternative college—the University College of Belize—in July 1986, created and maintained by Ferris State College of Big Rapids, Michigan. Nationalists were dismayed that the new University College of Belize would be administered by non-Belizeans. Intense political controversy arose in 1991 when it was discovered that the university had not been properly accredited, calling into question the value of its degrees.
The United Democratic Party's rise to power in December 1984 led to the establishment of an alternative college, the University College of Belize, which was created and maintained by Ferris State College of Big Rapids, Michigan. Nationalists were disenchanted with the idea that a non-Belizean entity would be overseeing their educational institution. A heated debate over the university's legitimacy erupted in 1991 when it was discovered that the university had not received proper accreditation, casting doubt on the value of its degrees.