MoHERST equips stakeholders on implementation of ODL

Held at the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA) conference hall in Kanifing, the event seeks to reinforce the implementation of The Gambia’s National Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Policy for Higher Education 2024, marking a significant step in advancing accessible, high-quality education across the nation.

Addressing the gathering, CoL Consultant Noel Saliu stressed the importance of continuous capacity building, noting that stakeholders must remain equipped for the evolving education landscape.

He highlighted that CoL’s focus on Open Distance Learning (ODL) stems from its growing relevance, and that this form of education is still relatively new for today’s generation.

He thus encouraged active participation to foster a productive exchange of ideas.

Ndey Fatou Trawally, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, reminded that implementing the ODL Policy follows sustained efforts with CoL to establish a cohesive framework for higher education.

She explained that the ODL ecosystem previously lacked a comprehensive policy guiding the government’s efforts to enhance and manage ODL programs.

DPS Trawally noted that the workshop will equip stakeholders with essential knowledge on implementing the policy and developing assessment standards for ODL institutions.

“This is a unique opportunity for The Gambia to ensure that the necessary tools for managing ODL are both available and tailored to the sector’s needs.” DPS Trawally added.

She spoke on the broader benefits of CoL’s support in the region, including training initiatives through Nigeria’s RETRIDOL.

Representing NAQAA’s CEO, Director of Quality Assurance, Lamin Manneh expressed gratitude for CoL’s initiative.

Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19, Manneh emphasised that ODL programs could offer students stable learning paths, even amid disruptions like pandemics.

He thus urged participants to engage actively in the sessions, ensuring that the policy’s implementation will benefit both the government and the people.