The award presentation held at the MoHERST conference hall, was to the University of The Gambia, Civil Service University, formerly Management Development Institute (MDI), and the University of Education The Gambia (formerly Gambia College).
Addressing the gathering, Minster Gomez, described the scholarship award as a landmark achievement and a significant milestone that has the potential to strengthen quality in the higher education system.
Professor Gomez maintained these scholarships being awarded were fully funded by the Government of the Gambia and tenable at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.
The package, he said, includes full tuition fees, a stipend of $850 for doctoral students, $500 for Master’s degree students and return airfares.
Minister Gomez went on to applaud the Government’s support in the form of scholarship, acknowledging that despite the low budget of 0.8% for his Ministry this year, these awards were still prioritised.
That, he pointed out, signifies the Government’s strong commitment to developing quality higher education for socio-economic development.
Commenting on the recent achievement of establishing a University of The Gambia campus at Faraba Banta, Prof Gomez explained that the Government of The Gambia is not only stopping at infrastructural development, but also prioritising the development of the human capital of the country as well.
To that end, Minister Gomez emphasised that these scholarships aims to enhance academic excellence through training to ensure that university education remains competitive, strengthen research capabilities and skills, and boost faculty capacities so that when they return, they will be able to contribute to the development of research, and also be the next generation of scholars in the country.
Aligning the scholarship award initiative to the attainment of national and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Minister Gomez pointed out that SDG goals 4 and 9 promote quality education while fostering innovation, as demonstrated in this award of scholarships.
Minister Gomez therefore urged recipients of the scholarship to make the best use of the opportunity, be good ambassadors of the country and be ready to utilise the knowledge and skills gained during the course of their studies.
Professor Gomez also reminded that education is not only a right, but a powerful tool for economic growth, social cohesion, and national progress.
