The graduates who came from different countries across the world were conferred with degrees in their various fields of study. The event coincided with the University’s 10 years of existence in the country.
Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) stated that Euclid University came to the Gambia in 2013 by signing two agreements while adding that the University has a unique identity as part of the country’s very few online higher education institutions.
He stated that the University has been working closely with MoHERST along a solid system and an international higher education standard and diligently participating in all processes and procedures towards establishment and accreditation. Prof Gomez continued that Euclid received institutional accreditation from MoHERST in February 2022 in fulfilling essential requirements.
“It is gratifying to note that the Ministry has been working to implement the transformation agenda of the higher education sector. This has allowed us as a nation to work towards transforming public-tertiary education institutions into degree-awarding institutions,” Prof Gomez stated.
He noted that this aligns with the ministry’s strategic plan 2021-2025, adding that the former Gambia Technical Training Institution (GTTI) has been transformed into the new University of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (USET). He said USET is currently running programs in Mechanical, Electrical Electronic and Civil Engineering.
Momodou Mustapha Fanneh, Euclid Vice Chancellor, explained that Euclid in the Gambia currently offers online classes at the Master’s and Ph.D degree levels. He said that the advantage of the online programs is their resilience to events like Covid-19.
“In The Gambia, the University worked with the MoHERST and NAQAA to ensure national and international standards compliance. Euclid then received institutional accreditation from the ministry and participated in the development of national policies,” he said, adding that there are plans to forge partnerships with other tertiary and higher education institutions in the country.
Robin Van Puyenbroeck, Deputy Secretary General of Euclid, also stated that the University was founded as an intergovernmental organisation with the mission to provide high-quality and affordable education.
To fulfil its mandate, he said, the University has provided high-quality distance learning programs, allowing many students to combine their work duties and studies.
“With this concept, the University brought an incredible innovation to learning,” he said, adding: “The University continues to expand with a growing number of students and faculty online.”
