UTG holds roundtable meeting with University of IOWA delegation

Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, yesterday held a roundtable meeting with Professor Thomas Cook, Director of the Centre of International Environment Health (CIREH), and Ms Christina Venzke, Coordinator of (CIREH), from the University of IOWA in the United States of America.

The US university dons are on a six-day visit to the UTG. The roundtable meeting held at the conference room of the Chancery in Brikama, aimed among other things at fostering the link and cooperation that  has been going on between the two universities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, said the long time relationship between the two universities has been very fruitful.

"On behalf of the University of The Gambia, the Gambia College and The Gambia as a whole we are very grateful for the immense support you have done in the health sector," Professor Kah said.

He added: "The University of The Gambia has a role in building the capacity of Gambians, since training youth is very important."

Mr Kah stated that they are deeply encouraging the relationship between the two universities to go from strength to strength.

Professor Kah said that they would like the students of the University of IOWA to come to The Gambia and exchange lectures with the students of the UTG.

Alh. Gumbo Ali Touray, Director of University Relations, said the University of IOWA had educated a lot of people in The Gambia, noting that they hope to spread the knowledge that would be shared by Professor Thomas Cook during his public lecture.

Dr Rex Kuye, HOD, Public Health, explained how the relationship between the two universities came about and also highlighted some of the achievements registered by the two universities.

Professor Thomas Cook, director of the Centre of International Environment Health (CIREH), said the aim of the visit was to discuss plans with the UTG.

He said that in the  next five years they would like to make The Gambia the centre of their programmes.

Christina Venzke, coordinator of CIREH, said she is delighted to having the opportunity to work with Africa, especially with the UTG. She added that she had been in Africa for the third time now.

Omar Jallow, also spoke at the occasion, while Dr Omar Jah, delivered the vote of thanks.