The event marked the formal admission of 28 Gambian students into the inaugural Master’s in Public Sector Management program. The students were sworn in by Dr Victoria Kunbuor, Secretary of GIMPA.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, extended heartfelt congratulations to the new students, encouraging them to view their academic journey as a lifelong commitment to growth, service, and leadership.
“Welcome to GIMPA, where excellence is second nature and integrity is the driving force behind all that we do,” Professor Bonsu declared. “You have just joined a fraternity that seeks knowledge not merely for its own sake, but for the development of ourselves, our communities, and the world at large.”
The rector commended the students for taking a bold step to the program and urged them to embrace the opportunity not just as learners but as future leaders capable of driving positive change across Africa and beyond. He emphasised that while academic knowledge is essential, the relationships, values, and vision developed along the way are equally vital.
Dr Burama Jammeh, Chairperson, Governing Council of the Civil Service University (formerly MDI), described the matriculation ceremony as a significant step forward in national development and public service reform.
Drawing from his own background in curriculum development, the Chairperson revealed his direct involvement in localising and reviewing the program to suit The Gambia’s unique context.
“This is an informed statement because I was part of the team that reviewed the course when it came from GIMPA. In the past, only a handful of Gambians could access such programs abroad due to limited resources. But this single cohort equals what we could afford to send over several years,” he noted, adding that the domesticated program is even more relevant than its original format in Ghana.
More than a formal occasion, the matriculation ceremony was described as “a celebration of progress, opportunity, and partnership”. Addressing the newly admitted students, the Chairperson urged them to embrace their roles not just as students, but as future leaders and reformers.
“You are not just pursuing degrees. You are preparing to lead, to innovate, and to transform the very systems and institutions that drive national development,” he emphasised. He also reiterated the university’s commitment to expanding partnerships, professionalising the civil service, and upholding ethical standards in governance.
Alieu K. Jarju, Rector, Civil Service University, MDI, said the matriculation reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening public service through relevant and timely academic programs.
‘Matriculation is more than a tradition,’ Mr Jarju said, adding that it was a formal process requiring the fulfillment of academic obligations and the acceptance of university regulations. Among these, the timely payment of fees was emphasised as a critical responsibility for all students.
Addressing concerns about the relevance of the program to national development, Jarju reaffirmed its role as a Civil Service University. “This program is relevant. As a civil service university, it is our duty and responsibility to address capacity gaps between the civil service and beyond,” he said.
As part of its mandate, he said, the university pledged continued collaboration with public and private institutions to strengthen professional standards across all sectors, contributing to The Gambia’s broader development goals.
On behalf of the students, Muhammed S. Bah extended congratulations to his fellow graduating colleagues stating that their enrollment at GIMPA is no accident but the result of their determination, perseverance, hard work and resilience. “We have overcome significant life hurdles to be here today,” he pointed out.
“From this day forward,” he stated, “we are part and parcel of the diverse academic community, committed to excellent innovation and transformation. As the first cohort of this program in The Gambia, we are embarking on a journey that would transform and equip us to better serve, and beyond the public sector.”
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