The event, supported by the Commonwealth Chemistry and the Royal Society of Chemistry, was held on the theme- ‘Let’s support scientific research for national development’.
At the event, Oladele Oyelakin, chair of the advisory board, who also doubles as lecturer at the University of The Gambia, underscored the importance of science in this day and age.
He recalled that it was in 1995 when the Gambia started university education courtesy of an NGO - Nova Scotia based in Canada, adding that that interaction led to The Gambia University Extension Programme, a partnership between The Gambia and St Mary University in Halifax, Canada.
Within two years, he said, students would get degrees, further recalling in 1999, an Act of parliament established the current University of The Gambia.
He recalled that as a pioneering member at the time, he was one of the lecturers recruited by an international panel, adding that during this time chemistry was not a major subject at the University.
He urged students to take advantage of the opportunity and contribute to development of science especially chemistry in the country, further advocating for more networking and collaboration among students in the country.
Sainey Cham, president of Chemica Soceity of The Gambia, expressed delight to be associated with the event and to celebrate the remarkable achievements and advancements in the field of Chemistry.
“It is no doubt that Chemistry is the backbone of science. The development of nations is hugely dependent on science and technology.”
He emphasised that for science and technology to develop, chemistry is 100 percent required, saying no matter the number of science subjects one reads, chemistry is a fundamental component.
He encouraged members to remain steadfast and committed as it is not easy to run an organisation on voluntary basis.
Dawda Badjie, executive director of National Environment Agency (NEA), who is the brainchild behind the society, recalled that during one of his visits to London, he was opportune to visit the Commonwealth Chemical Society of London.
During the visit, he said, there were certain issues that he found very useful and interesting, saying during his interaction with the executive of the society, he was asked whether the country had a chemical society, to which, he replied in the negative.
He said it was from there that the communication started between the University of The Gambia and the Commonwealth Chemistry Society and called on members to be committed to ensure that whatever is desired will surely materialise.
NEA director underscored the importance of Chemistry, further dilating on the intricate link between science and our day-to-day activities.
Dr. Ismaila Badjie, who was the guest speaker, recalled that the history of chemistry in Africa dates more than two thousand years ago, saying when there is a consensus to form an organisation, it can’t be formed for social reasons, but for its utility and not for the members who formed it, but for the rest of humanity.
Dr. Badjie reminded that it is always important to remind oneself that before you know where you are going, you have to know where you came from.’
He acknowledged that science and spirituality go hand-in-hand, adding that even when one is an unreligious person but studied history of Islam, one would conclude that Islamic mysticism most of the times were conducted by people they call alchemist.
That was because their wealth of knowledge, he added, served the purpose of humanity as healers and called on members to take ownership of the society.
He, however, raised dismay with the educational system in Africa, which he said, makes it seem knowledge was not born on these lands that we live in.
Dr. Badjie affirmed that human beings are chemicals and that science theory begins with one making a hypothesis, a guess, and that even those with those who study the history of chemistry, some people still lose their lives on it, because they would an experiment and die from it.
“The only difference between a black and non-blacks is, we stopped and we never documented. So when it comes to writing our text book, our version of the history was missing.”
He described the launch of the society as important acknowledging that no nation can develop without basic understanding of science and technology.
He calls for change of mindset especially among young people to promote development of science and chemistry on the continent.
Other speakers included Salieu Puye, president of the traditional Healers Assembly of The Gambia and Buba Ngum, representing the Ministry of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology.
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