The development was made last Saturday at the inauguration of Lot 1 of the fixed packed of the University of The Gambia development project at the Faraba Banta Campus.
President Barrow stated that the library is expected to bring the UTG closer to other universities and research institutions in the greater South and the rest of the Global Research and Education Community.
He said in opening the library, “we are facilitating access to countless research and instructional materials for the UTG community. As a pool of knowledge and in recognition of the length and quality of service of the late Vice President in the education sector, the centre is hereby named Dr. Badara Alieu Joof Library.”
Subsequently, President Barrow advised the UTG to take the lead in curricular reform to make sure that education provision is responsive to the development needs of the country and beyond.
He revealed that his administration recently commissioned a consultancy to review the UTG curriculum through the Faraba Banta Project. He pointed out that in this connection, he asked management to implement the report submitted by the University of Ibadan and to ensure that entrepreneurship and innovation are embedded in the training package.
He further informed that the Government has developed innovative financing mechanisms for post-secondary education and research. He said that they have also approved the establishment of three funding mechanisms to support development projects of tertiary and higher education institutions, fund research and innovation programs, and increase access opportunities to affordable post-secondary education and training through a Students’ Loan Scheme.
Barrow mentioned that higher education is a sure path to sustainable development, while he encourages their development partners to collaborate with them and support this human capital formation process via these initiatives.
He advised the University Community to take proper care of the campus, saying that it is a national duty to ensure that Government structures and programs are sustained by all implementing agencies. He concluded that it is civil behavior and courtesy towards society.
To promote such virtues, he said: “We hold the University responsible for transmitting its core values of knowledge, truth, and development, as well as preparing the students sufficiently to contribute to national development.”
