UNESCO, ISESCO members evaluate UTG Science Park

A weeklong evaluation of UTG Science Park by Unesco delegates at the university has been concluded.

The delegates included Professor Yoslan Nur from Korea, team leader of the mission; Dr Malcolm Parry, OBE Director from Surrey Research Park, the UK; and Mostafa Karimian Eghbal from Tarbiat Modares University in Iran.

According to the delegates, the visit was inline with support from Unesco to assess Gambia’s potential in establishing a Science and Technology Park.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Parry said he was grateful to the Gambian people for creating a framework for internal discussion and for evaluating what they have been doing over the time to work and create an action plan to report to Unesco.

According to him, based on their evaluation, they had seen a research activity to support education.

He said there is recognition in science, technology, engineering and mathematics that need to be shown real commitment to in The Gambia.

He added that the integration between different ministries, groups and the UTG had been very effective, adding that “the capacity of Gambians is building in that level, which is very essential”.

“There is a great capacity of manpower in The Gambia to learn, which is of a great advantage,” he said.

He said he was happy with Gambians that the network between their ministries “is cordial”, adding that without interaction there wouldn’t be a strong process.

According to him, they have looked at the strength, weakness, opportunities and treats, styles and assessment and “it is clear that the political will is that they’re supporting the framework, which is very important”.

In terms of opportunities, he said the UTG has effective training network of professional people in the technical level, which are very crucial.

“Looking at the physical activities, the Gambia has a building in Farababantang that is already being done with extension of a developed physical plan of a public campus,” Dr Parry said.

He told the gathering that there is a strong case in terms of the elements that make the Science Park to create academics and the business entrepreneurs “which is very important in increasing policy products by competitions”.

“This method creates space, education, training to build capacity of entrepreneurs, business planning, which services are received by capturing the talents and expertise at the university,” he said.

Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Vice Chancellor of the UTG, thanked President Yahya Jammeh for paving a path for a brighter future for the country and generations to come.

”Anyone that champions science, technology, innovation, and higher education is a champion of humanity, progress, peace and sustainability,” he said, challenging the university to be a world class institution that takes science and technology seriously.

Professor Kah said the UTG is among the few universities that have the opportunity of putting in place a science park.

“The Science Park will begin to process and make sure that science, technology and innovations are core in our economic development and growth in the country and in the region,” he said.

He added that the university will not only set its eyes on addressing the needs of the Gambians and the region but also to be a player in the global affairs of science and technology.