New Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
By Landing Ceesay
The newly appointed Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez vowed to execute his duties with ‘utmost’ excellence.
“Having spent twenty-four score years serving as a higher education scholar, both within The Gambia and abroad, I cannot help but be optimistic that the “new-old” assignment will be executed with utmost excellence,” Gomez said.
He called for commitment among stakeholders, especially within the spheres of higher education to deliver a new dawn in higher education.
“I call on all stakeholders, especially those within the spheres of higher education, to be further committed to the drive towards a much more responsive and productive higher education sector. With support from the hardworking staff at MoHERST and cooperation from all its satellite institutions, we are committed to delivering [a] new dawn in Higher Education; so help me God. Shalom,” Professor Gomez said in a statement on Facebook this morning.
The veteran academics expressed thanks and appreciation to President Barrow for the appointment.
“I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency President Adama Barrow, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, for appointing me as the new Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST),” he said.
Professor Gomez further thanked the University of The Gambia community (UTG) for the cordial working relationship it accorded him during his many years of service there, both as a lecturer and an administrator.
“I wish to thank my family, friends, and well-wishers for the congratulatory calls, texts and social media posts. I am deeply honoured and may all our prayers be answered,” he stated.
Professor Gomez’s appointment as the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) form part of Barrow’s new cabinet appointments televised on Wednesday evening.
Prior to his appointment as Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Gomez served as the Dean of School of Arts & Sciences at UTG, and then Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, among others.