Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST), Prof. Pierre Gomez, on Friday, December 6, 2024, presided over a landmark event—the awarding of Gambia Government scholarships to 18 faculty members from the country’s public universities. The ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, was attended by Vice Chancellors, faculty members, senior government officials, students, and media representatives.

The scholarship awards, fully funded by the Government of The Gambia, are tenable at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The package includes full tuition fees, return airfare, and monthly stipends of $850 for doctoral students and $500 for Master’s degree students. This initiative, hailed as a significant milestone by Prof. Gomez, seeks to enhance academic excellence, strengthen research capabilities, and build faculty capacities within The Gambia’s higher education system.

A Commitment to Quality Education

In his remarks, Prof. Gomez emphasized the transformative potential of the scholarships, particularly in improving the quality of higher education in The Gambia. Despite the Ministry’s modest budget allocation of 0.8% for 2024, he noted that the government’s prioritization of this program underscores a strong commitment to advancing socio-economic development through education.

“The Government’s focus extends beyond infrastructural development, as seen in the establishment of the Faraba Banta campus for the University of The Gambia. It also includes the development of human capital to ensure university education remains competitive and aligned with national and global goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Prof. Gomez said.

He highlighted the alignment of the scholarship initiative with SDG Goals 4 and 9, which advocate for quality education and innovation. According to him, the scholarship program is a strategic step to cultivate the next generation of Gambian scholars, foster innovation, and prepare faculty members to contribute significantly upon their return.

Empowering Faculty Members for National Development

The recipients of these scholarships expressed gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. Lamin B.T. Sanyang, delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, pledged their commitment to making the most of this opportunity. “We are ready to serve as instruments of change for the development of The Gambia,” he affirmed.

Mr. Abubakarr Jallow, Vice-Chancellor of the newly established University of Education Gambia, commended the initiative as a critical step not only in expanding higher education institutions but also in addressing human capital development needs. He emphasized the significance of faculty training in achieving academic excellence and ensuring research-driven growth.

Prof. Gomez expressed gratitude to President Adama Barrow, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for prioritizing higher education, and development partners for their continued support.

He urged the scholarship recipients to become ambassadors of change and to return with the expertise needed to elevate The Gambia’s education system.

“Education is not just a right but a powerful tool for economic growth, social cohesion, and national progress,” he remarked.

This scholarship program represents a beacon of hope for advancing higher education and aligns with the nation’s broader goals of fostering innovation and building a resilient, knowledge-based economy. As the recipients prepare to embark on their academic journeys, they carry with them the potential to transform The Gambia’s higher education landscape and contribute meaningfully to national development.