Group Photo of the award ceremony
By Landing Ceesay
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MOHERST) on Friday presented Gambia Government Scholarship Awards to eighteen (18) lecturers from the University of The Gambia (UTG) and the University of Education.
The scholarships will enable them to pursue advanced degrees, including Ph.D. programs, as part of the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s higher education system.
This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of public universities by providing fully funded scholarships to faculty members. The beneficiaries will pursue advanced studies in diverse fields such as Mathematics, English Literature, Curriculum Studies, Educational Planning, testing and Measurement, and Physics, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, emphasized the critical role well-trained lecturers play in improving the quality of learning institutions.
“A well-trained and empowered faculty is the heartbeat of any university. By investing in their professional growth, we equip them with the tools to conduct cutting-edge research, deliver quality teaching, and engage meaningfully with the global academic community. This program represents a step forward in aligning our universities with international standards while addressing the unique needs of The Gambia’s development agenda,” Prof. Gomez told the gathering.
Prof. Gomez went on to say that investing in the professional development of lecturers is not just about education—it is a strategic investment in the country’s economy.
“The scholarships we are awarding today are not just financial assistance; they are a strategic investment in the future of The Gambia. They aim to: Enhance Academic Excellence: By supporting faculty to pursue advanced degrees and training, we ensure that our universities remain competitive and innovative in the ever-evolving global education landscape.
Strengthen Research Capabilities: The advanced skills and knowledge gained will contribute to producing research that addresses local challenges while informing global discourse. Boost Capacity Building: As scholarship recipients return with enhanced expertise, they will play a pivotal role in building the next generation of professionals across all sectors,” Minister Gomez said.
Prof. Gomez further noted that these scholarships align with the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in strengthening tertiary education institutions across the country.
“This initiative is in line with the Government of The Gambia’s strategic priorities outlined in the National Development Plan and the Higher Education Strategic Framework. It underscores our belief that education is the foundation of sustainable development. Strengthening our higher education system will significantly contribute towards achieving key Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on quality education and Goal 9 on fostering innovation,” he said.
Prof. Gomez further expressed his profound gratitude to all those who have made the initiative possible including President Adama Barrow.
On behalf of the awardees, Lamin B.T. Sanyang, Head of the Department of General Management and Policy Analysis at the Management Development Institute (MDI), expressed gratitude to the government. He assured them of the recipients’ dedication to utilizing their training to contribute to national development.
The awardees are set to pursue their advanced degrees at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, a renowned institution for higher education in the region.