Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Barrow administration has unveiled the Gambia Madrassah Integration Strategy (GMIS), a landmark initiative aimed at weaving Madrassah education into the national development agenda. The launch took place on Tuesday, with President Adama Barrow leading the charge and emphasizing the government’s resolve to bridge the gap between Islamic education and broader professional opportunities.

Traditionally focused on Islamic studies in Arabic, madrassah institutions have long faced challenges in preparing graduates for diverse careers, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Recognizing these limitations, the government has committed to equipping madrassah graduates with the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in various professional sectors.

At the launch ceremony, President Barrow voiced his concerns over the hurdles Madrassah students encounter when transitioning to higher education. He called for robust investment in infrastructure, teacher training, scholarships, and technical assistance to ensure that no Gambian student is left behind.

“Madrassah graduates deserve the same opportunities as their peers,” Barrow said. “We must provide them with the tools and support to participate fully in our country’s growth.”

To realize this vision, the government has rolled out a unified curriculum that integrates core subjects like mathematics, languages, history, geography, and life skills with Islamic studies. This approach aims to create a level playing field, enabling madrassah students to pursue professions in engineering, medicine, civil services, and beyond.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MOHERST), under the leadership of Professor Pierre Gomez, has already begun implementing scholarship programs to help Madrassah graduates continue their education.

Professor Gomez highlighted that these efforts are part of a broader push to create an inclusive and integrated education system that meets the needs of all Gambians.

According to the State House, the GMIS reflects the administration’s dedication to inclusive and equitable education, empowering every citizen to contribute to national development.

With the launch of this groundbreaking strategy, The Gambia takes a significant step toward harnessing the full potential of its human resources, ensuring that no one is excluded from the country’s progress.