The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology & The Chinese Ambassador
By Buba Gagigo
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has formalized a new partnership with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia aimed at enhancing technical education in the country.
Ambassador Liu Jin, accompanied by a delegation from Guangxi Province in China, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Professor Pierre Gomez, during which two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed.
The first MoU was established between the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) and Guangxi Polytechnic of Construction (GXPC), focusing on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and capacity building. The second MoU was between MoHERST and LiuGong Machinery South Africa Limited, facilitating the establishment of two boreholes at TVET centers.
“Two MoUs were signed during the courtesy call. One was between the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) and Guangxi Polytechnic of Construction (GXPC) regarding TVET education and capacity building. The other was between the Ministry and LiuGong Machinery South Africa Limited for the establishment of two boreholes in two TVET centres,” the Ministry announced.
According to MoHERST, these MoUs aim to reinforce the existing bilateral ties between The Gambia and China while enhancing collaboration in higher education, particularly in TVET.
During the visit, Minister Gomez expressed deep appreciation to Ambassador Liu Jin and the delegation for their timely engagement with the Ministry. He described the signing of the MoUs as both timely and significant, noting that as The Gambia seeks to improve the living standards of its youth, China has consistently provided vital support.
“Minister Gomez described the signing of the MoUs as timely and significant and stated that when The Gambia was at a crossroads devising initiatives to improve the standards of living, especially of its youthful folk, the Government of the People’s Republic of China came through and responded swiftly with funding for various projects. Minister Gomez acknowledged that China has always been a great partner of The Gambia in education development, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” the ministry said.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing initiatives within the Ministry, including the establishment of a Civil Service University to train civil servants and public officials and the transformation of Gambia College’s School of Education into an Education University. These efforts, he said, are geared toward improving educational standards and ensuring a well-trained and skilled citizenry.
“Minister Gomez emphasised that the initiatives are relevant in ensuring a highly trained and skilful citizenry. Prof Gomez explained that The Gambia is on a journey towards development and actualising its set goals, especially in the areas of education, innovation, and technology. He noted that as China is rapidly leading the world in these areas, it has created the need for the two countries to partner to work towards actualising these goals,” the ministry said.
The MoHERST statement noted that Mr. Wang Weiping, a member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Organisation Department of the CPC Guangxi Committee, expressed that the signed MoU would further solidify the strong relationship between China and The Gambia. He reaffirmed that the two countries are steadfast friends and partners in development.
“He also expressed optimism that the Forum will allow both parties to discuss ways of addressing challenges in critical areas of education, especially on TVET education programmes to enhance the skills of youths. Mr Weiping stated that in the past years, the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, and the President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, signed an MoU in different sectoral, institutional, and educational development areas. This visit and collaboration will further strengthen the ties between the two countries. Thus, he does not doubt that Guangxi’s initiative would contribute immensely to the educational structure of The Gambia,” they concluded.