Hon. Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Minister Pierre Gomez of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology updated the National Assembly on Wednesday regarding Gambian students studying in Morocco.
During a session of questions and answers, Minister Gomez responded to inquiries from Hon. Abdoulie Njai, member for Banjul Central. The questions focused on the welfare of Gambian students pursuing Bachelors, Masters, and Medicine degrees in Morocco, particularly concerning stipends and scholarships.
Minister Gomez informed the Assembly that the Ministry, based on information from the Gambian embassy in Morocco, identified 160 students engaged in various academic programs in 2023. He explained that stipends were disbursed to all students listed in May-June 2023, followed by a verification exercise in 2024 to confirm student presence and eligibility for stipend payments.
“In 2024, MoHERST used the same list and embarked on a verification exercise prior to payment of the stipends. The purpose was to physically confirm and ascertain the total number of Gambian students studying in Morocco and eligible for payment of stipends. It was observed that some of the students have been there beyond the stipulated time, and others would proceed to do a master’s program after completion without written clearance from the Ministry. We also learned lessons from the disbursement of the Covid-19 sustenance package,” he said.
Minister Gomez announced that the Ministry is in the final stages of verifying results, and upon completion, scholarship award letters will be issued to eligible students detailing their entitlements.
He emphasized that this process enhances monitoring and accountability. Out of the 160 students verified, 135 are currently pursuing their studies, with 23 students having completed their programs by October 2023.
Regarding students in Morocco, the Ministry clarified that they receive annual stipend top-ups, as the Moroccan government provides the scholarships directly.
“After completion of their studies, students are expected to notify the Ministry of their status. Those who decide to further their studies, without the consent of the Ministry are not eligible for any support because it was not budgeted for. The Ministry is giving such students the second change, to apply for the top-up and anyone found legible will be awarded and paid for accordingly,” he said.
He pointed out that starting this year, they have altered their approach, and the Ministry is collaborating with Moroccan authorities to tailor programs according to the country’s specific needs, rather than any other program
“Henceforth, some are already available here in the Gambia, and special emphasis is placed on STEM and TVET. At the level of masters and PhDs, with some allowance for bachelor’s degrees that may not likely be offered in our Gambian institutions,” he said.