Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, on Monday, presented the Students Revolving Loan Scheme Bill 2024 before lawmakers.
The bill aims to ensure equitable access to tertiary and higher education for all Gambians. It also emphasizes gender inclusion and seeks to establish sustainable financing for students pursuing higher education in The Gambia.
The bill highlights that each year, hundreds of students graduate from secondary schools with aspirations to continue their education in tertiary and higher education institutions.
“However, most of them, due to their financial background, do not have the means to finance their education at the tertiary and higher education levels. In addition, the Gambia Government scholarship through the Ministry of Higher Education Research Science and Technology is not enough to cater for all the students aspiring to pursue tertiary and higher education in this country,” the Bill indicated
To address this, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology believes it is essential to expand financial opportunities for students through this bill. By doing so, students who are unable to secure scholarships will have access to loans to finance their education. Upon graduation and employment, these students will repay the loans, fostering self-sustainability and positively impacting numerous lives.