By Buba Gagigo
Addressing the 16th convocation ceremony of the University of The Gambia, President Adama Barrow called upon the graduating students to become catalysts for change within their communities and nation.
“As you graduate today to join the ranks of the change agents already in action, we urge you to embark on a transformation journey for meaningful impact on life in your communities and nation,” the president said.
Drawing inspiration from pioneers in various fields, President Barrow urged the graduates to emulate the impact of scientists revolutionizing technology, educators dispelling illiteracy, and political leaders spearheading transformative projects.
“In this direction, who among you here can promise to invent a life-changing device for humanity? How many of the graduands are determined to develop new business models or revolutionise agriculture to transform the Gambian economy? Remembering that, with strong conviction, nothing is impossible, fill your minds with such noble inspirations. The outcome could surprise you,” he said.
President Barrow underscored his government’s commitment to building upon achievements, accelerating progress, and fostering sustainable development despite challenges.
“Inspiring and empowering change agents are critical to attaining such goals. We know that knowledge is a vehicle of change and all human beings are potential agents in the process. As a result, one is potentially a change agent, a change target, or a change burden, in instances when people try to resist change,” the president said.
Furthermore, the president advised graduates to embody qualities of proactivity, innovation, and resilience as they navigate the path of change.
“For Gambians, it also entails applying the values of integrity, compassion, and empathy as you endeavour to influence lives and create The Gambia we want. The University consistently illustrates that higher education conclusively influences change. There is hardly any formal institution in The Gambia without UTG graduates, and they excel in other lands as they do at home. Many UTG graduates now serve as change agents for institutional or socio-economic transformation, or participate actively in development through their strength of character, creative ideas, and problem-solving mindsets,” he said.