The occasion also marks a significant milestone in the two institutions' drive to collectively pursue excellence in the tourism and hospitality education sector.
The event was held at the ITTOG premises and brought together government officials, Institutes’ administrators among other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ahmet Tejan Nyang, Head of School at the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia, revealed that the partnership offers more than a memorandum but one that creates new opportunities for the youth, strengthens their educational systems, and brings hope to the next generation.
“Our connection is not new. Historically, our two countries were linked through colonization, our shared membership in the Commonwealth, and more recently through music and culture.”
Nyang made reference to the 2008 visit of Jamaican reggae artist, Sizzla Kalonji to The Gambia, hailed as a visit of royalty by then-President Jammeh and reminded them of the deep cultural bonds between us.
He noted that both institutions have revealed how closely aligned they are in their values and vision with commitments to promoting tourism education across borders.
For her part, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, said the agreement underscores ITTOG’s unwavering commitment to international collaboration and the mutual pursuit of quality education and professional advancement.
The partnership, she added, aligns seamlessly with the Ministry’s transformative agenda for tertiary and higher education in The Gambia.
That agenda, she added, aims to expand access, promote excellence, and elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship.
“With our mandate to develop The Gambia’s human capital and as the authority responsible for TVET, MoHERST envisions tertiary and higher education as a driving force for transforming The Gambia into a competitive, knowledge-based economy.” she noted.
Ambassador Jagne also talked about their mission, which is to build a world-class higher education system that produces skilled and globally competitive citizens, anchored in a robust framework for scientific research and technological innovation.
Dr. Adama Bah, chairperson of the ITTOG described the agreement as a bridge between two nations with shared values in tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
The collaboration, he added, also aims to exchange expertise, develop joint programs, encourage staff and student mobility, and strengthen their capacities to serve the tourism industries of the respective regions.
