The University of The Gambia (UTG) Wednesday opened
its Chancellor Fellowship Programme, which is aimed at training students to
become good leaders and to bring positive change.
The Chancellor Fellowship is a semester-long university leadership programme, which seeks to identify and train leaders who will serve as catalyst for change and development.
Organisers said the main targets and beneficiaries are students of the UTG.
For a start, 25 young leaders, selected from various clubs and associations of the UTG, are to undergo the programme.
They were selected by the fellowship board which comprises administrative and academic staff of the UTG.
Jimmy H. Nzally, the founder and initiator of the fellowship at the UTG, said fellows are chosen from a diverse and competitive pool of talented, passionate individuals from a wide range of geographies, professional and academic backgrounds and ethnicities.
“The board selected students based on some criteria,” he said, adding that in the selection process, they seek to understand candidates’ passion and the value they bring to the fellowship and the larger leadership sector.
Also the selection process takes note of the candidates’ proven track record of leadership responsibilities, which includes demonstrated passion for social enterprise and improving quality of life for low-income communities, and ability to work in new and challenging environments with limited resources.
The candidates willingness to work with low-income populations in developing economies, and demonstration of practical skills in relationship building, cultural sensitivity and thrive in a start-up environment is assessed.
Mr Nzally said the fellowship is designed to suit the leadership skills of the fellows.
As part of the programme, there will be practical campus engagement and assessment of fellow’s progress.
At the end of the fellowship, a ceremony will be organised to honour fellows and partners, he said.
At the ceremony, fellows would defend their project proposals in front of a large audience of university authorities and partners, as well as diverse invitees from across the academic spectrum.
