"Will collaborate with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, and De’Montfort University in Leicester in the United Kingdom. By the time we wean our universities from those well-established institutions, the Gambians currently on Ph.D programmes and mentorship will have been qualified enough to join their compatriots to take full responsibility for our universities."
President Barrow continued that the grant funding for the University project is available, and they have contracted FENTA Consulting to supervise the construction of the three faculty buildings of Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering. He added that the University Administration will introduce other faculties, such as Chemical Engineering, Architecture and Design and Computer Sciences, as outlined in the Higher Education Master Plan.
"The government expects the senior secondary schools to provide qualified students for USET, while the regional TVET centres feed the HND programme. By implication, the education sector needs to establish and strengthen TVET centres across the country, especially in deprived areas."
"It is good that Ndemban and Kanilai Skills Centres are almost ready to begin operations. MRC Holland is working to make this happen, and we thank them abundantly for their immense support and investments. The rehabilitation of Mansakonko Skills Centre is near completion, and Julangel will be rehabilitated next. To complement these efforts, the school mapping process for two other centres is almost complete in CRR."
Barrow reiterated that the education sector is working hard to address their capacity constraints and better re-position them to develop the required human capital for national advancement and prosperity, saying they know that TVET is a vital component in the process.
