The delegation, led by the college’s leadership, was received by Vice President Jallow at his office at State House in Banjul on Wednesday.
Speaking after the meeting, Hadigala’s Director of Communication and External Relations, Jim Jobe, said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the institution to government through the Office of the Vice President, presenting its achievements since its establishment, and handing over scholarship awards to the Gambia Police Force, Gambia Armed Forces, Gambia Immigration Department and Gambia Prison Services.
Mr. Jobe said the scholarships form part of Hadigala International College’s commitment to supporting national institutions through education and professional development.
He also highlighted the college’s contribution to the health sector, noting that its nursing programmes—including the Registered Nursing Programme, Community Health Nursing Programme and Midwifery—are fully accredited.
According to him, the institution recently recorded what he described as a historic achievement when its first batch of nursing graduates attained a 100 per cent pass rate in the national nursing licensing examination.
Jobe said the achievement demonstrates the quality of training being provided by the institution and reflects Hadigala’s commitment to producing competent health professionals capable of serving both locally and internationally.
The college’s leadership also used the engagement to outline its future ambitions, particularly its plans to transform Hadigala International College into a university.
Vice President Jallow commended the institution for its growth and international outlook, describing its contribution to education and human resource development as important to the country’s development aspirations.
He expressed support for the college’s proposed transition into a university and pledged to facilitate engagement with the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Health to explore opportunities for securing land for the planned expansion.
The Vice President also welcomed Hadigala’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of its academic and professional staff, including plans to sponsor staff members for PhD programmes.
For Hadigala, the engagement represents an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with government as the institution expands its programmes and seeks to play a greater role in national development.
Jobe expressed optimism that the meeting would deepen the partnership between Hadigala and government, particularly in the areas of education, health and professional development.
He said the college’s long-term ambition is not only to train nurses for the Gambian health system but also to equip graduates with qualifications and skills that enable them to pursue further education and professional careers abroad.
He noted that some Hadigala graduates are already travelling internationally for employment, describing this as an informal process that the institution hopes to further strengthen through quality training and international standards.
Jobe said the college ultimately wants to produce nurses who can compete and practise meaningfully both within The Gambia and beyond its borders.
The engagement therefore signals Hadigala International College’s growing ambition to expand its contribution to education, healthcare and national capacity-building while working more closely with government and other public institutions.
