In view of this, he stated that institutions must remain centres of excellence, committed to research-driven solutions that address national and regional challenges.
Professor Gomez made this disclosure on Monday at the start of a four-day retreat convened by the Ministry currently underway at Sindola Lodge in Kanilai.
The retreat seeks to provide all the line institutions under the purview of the Ministry the opportunity to enhance operational capabilities and strengthen coordination for enhanced service delivery.
The retreat brought together institutions under his purview namely; University of The Gambia (UTG), the University of Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (USET), the Civil Service University (CSU), the University of Education Gambia (UEG) and the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA).
“Over the years, our sector has undergone significant transformations, with all these institutions playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of tertiary and higher education in The Gambia. These institutions, with their unique mandates, continue to drive quality education, research, and innovation, all of which are central to our national development agenda,” he added.
This retreat, he added, comes at a crucial moment as they seek to consolidate their gains from 2024 and strategically plan for 2025.
“It is an opportunity for us to engage in critical self-reflection, to assess the challenges we have encountered, and to collectively find solutions that will enhance our sector’s efficiency and impact.”
The retreat, Professor Gomez believes will focus on key areas that are fundamental to the sector’s growth: Assessing the Achievements of 2024; Setting Strategic Priorities for 2025; enhancing Cross-Institutional Synergies; addressing Sector-Wide Challenges as well as strengthening Governance and Accountability.
“As we deliberate, let us always remember that higher education is not just about producing graduates; it is about equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to drive economic growth, social transformation, and technological advancement. Our institutions must remain centres of excellence, committed to research-driven solutions that address national and regional challenges.”
Thus, the retreat, Minister Gomez, added is not merely a formality—it is a working session that must yield concrete, actionable outcomes.
“I urge each of you to actively participate, to engage in discussions with an open mind, and to propose bold, innovative solutions that will propel our sector forward. By the end of this retreat, we should have a clear roadmap for the year ahead, one that ensures we are making measurable progress in achieving our objectives.”
