The two-day validation forum was held at the Bakadaji Hotel in Kololi.
Speaking at the occasion, Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology revealed that their vision for the transformation was rooted in a commitment to excellence, equity and foresight, with the aim to establish a specialised university that would not only meet the immediate needs of the education system but also anticipate and address future challenges.
He noted that the fundamental principles guiding the initiative are quality, accessibility, and relevance.
“To begin with, we propose a strategic realignment of academic entities within The Gambia College. The plan is to transfer all other schools of Gambia College to the University of The Gambia, except for the School of Education, which will find its new home in the transformed Gambia College,” he stated.
He advanced that “this separation will enable a focused and specialised approach to teacher education, fostering an environment conducive to producing high-calibre educators and specialists in various fields of education”.
Prof Gomez added that their focus was driven by a steadfast dedication to fostering quality education, creating robust career pathways for teachers and ensuring their training is elevated to degree levels.
He noted that, for instance, the role of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) for nursery school teachers is undeniably crucial, laying the foundation for a child's educational journey. He said by elevating their training to degree levels, they would be empowered with the knowledge and skills to provide the best possible start to the country’s children's educational journey, adding the same is valid for the primary and secondary teachers.
He concluded by saying that another critical dimension is the training in educational planning and management, as he noted that school headmasters, principals and planners must learn the appropriate and latest management and planning principles to ensure that schools are on the right pedestal.
Dr Badara Alieu Senghore, chairman of the Gambia College Governing Council, revealed he had the conviction that the University of The Gambia should have started long ago with the school of education or a faculty of education.
He noted that The Gambia has always lacked sufficient graduate teachers, practically in all the core subject areas in the school system. He thanked MoHERST for the initiative to transform the college into a specialised university of education.
Dr. Henrietta Sonko, national coordinator of MRC Holland Foundation, underscored that a lot has been achieved by looking at the nation’s education domain, however highlighting that challenges still remain.
She noted that the number of students is skyrocketing, as she went further to specifically mention that over 30, 000 children are attending schools. She recognized MoHERST’s effort in striving to ensure that there are sufficient teachers to teach all those students. Thus, she commended MoHERST for the initiative.
