The Gambia government plans to transfer all schools of Gambia College to the University of The Gambia, except for the School of Education, to improve teacher education.
The Gambia College is a mid-level training college that provides a variety of employment options in agriculture, teaching, and health care. The college has four main campuses. Brikama is the largest campus, and it houses the Schools of Education, Agriculture, and Public Health.
According to the government, the planned division will make it possible for teacher education to be concentrated and specialized, creating an atmosphere that will result in the production of highly skilled teachers and specialists in a range of educational specialties.
In that regard, a two-day validation workshop to review the Gambia College Transformation Committee’s (GCTC) report on the college’s transformation into a University of Education (UOE) has come to an end, with education experts offering their insights on the subject. The gathering gave participants in the education sector the chance to examine the draft transformation roadmap and make sure that appropriate training is provided to create competent educators and specialists in a range of educational fields.
The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, said, “This transformational agenda is not merely about upgrading an institution; it is about elevating the education standards in The Gambia. We aim to increase equitable access to tertiary and higher education, ensuring that every Gambian can receive a world-class education,” Minister Gomez said.
The transformation will incorporate innovative teaching methods, embrace adaptive technologies, and foster critical thinking and analytical skills. This forward-thinking approach will enable us to produce not just teachers but transformative educators who can adapt to the evolving needs of society, according to the minister.
Mr. Adama Jimba Jobe, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Programmes) at MoBSE, emphasized the report’s significance in enhancing quality education within the system.
Dr. Katim Seringe Touray, Chairperson of the Transformation Committee, outlined the committee’s process for producing the report, which was the result of thorough stakeholder consultations and an online survey.
Dr. Alieu Badara Senghore, Chairperson of The Gambia College Governing Council, highlighted the college’s long-standing mission to provide quality middle-level training and skills development for personnel in the education, agriculture, and health sectors.
Dr. Henriette Sonko, the Coordinator of the MRC Holland Foundation, expressed her admiration for MoHERST’s audacity in revolutionizing The Gambia’s educational system. “If you want something to change, you have to start with friction, and I’m glad that friction is turning The Gambia College into a University of Education,” she said.
