By Landing Ceesay
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of the Gambia (UTG), Professor Pierre Gomez has urged students to always strive for excellence.
“Our dear students, in this university we pride ourselves in not only training students in academic work but also in character, so that upon graduation the student is fully ready to be a responsible citizen who will contribute to national development, in a patriotic and result-oriented manner. So we recommend you emulate the fine examples of your lecturers in self-discipline, self-care, a good mode of dressing, fidelity to your work and studies, and general comportment so that we will not find you wanting.
“I, therefore, urge you to stay focused, be steadfast, always strive to achieve excellence by developing critical thinking skills and to have the right balance between your academic and social life. To do this, you must plan your time wisely and use all the opportunities and facilities provided effectively. Similarly, when you have concerns to raise, please make use of the laid down channels and avoid any form of behaviour that may ruin both your studies and your future,” Professor Gomez said.
Gomez reminded the students that they were admitted as an individuals and would graduate as such; so they are responsible for their own actions.
“You have every right to feel proud to be students of this institution. It is my strong belief that you will learn, nurture and develop knowledge and skills that will propel you forward in the challenging world of the 21st century. We have assembled competent and experienced professors, lecturers, administrators and other professionals to provide you with the training you require and ensure that your stay in UTG is productive,” he said.
The Acting Vice Chancellor who would hand over to the new Vice-Chancellor in January, assured UTG students of their best.
“Let me, therefore, assure you we take seriously that vote of confidence and know we have a very high responsibility towards you, to make sure that we live up to your expectations, and to exceed your expectations and honour the confidence you have shown in our ability to deliver not only in terms of the academic experience and culture to which you will be exposed here but also to the general socialization we hope campus life will expose you to,” he said.
He made the remarks on Wednesday at the matriculation ceremony of the University of the Gambia, during which he reminded the matriculated students of of the Matriculation Oath and encouraged them to go by the rules of the country’s highest learning institute.
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