The ceremony not only marks years of hard work and sacrifice for the graduating class, but also a turning point for the institution, which recently relocated from Banjul to its newly-built campus in Brusubi Phase 2.
At the event, Mr. Saidou Jallow, principal of the school described the move as a ‘blessing in disguise’, noting that it also marked great improvement in the school’s academic performance since the transition.
Jallow also acknowledged that academic outcomes at the former Banjul campus had been unsatisfactory in recent years. However, he said, the 2024 WASSCE results from the first batch of students taught at the Brusubi campus depicts a different story.
“The statistics speak for themselves. Eight students earned credits in nine subjects, ten in eight subjects, eighteen in seven, twenty-nine in six, and nineteen in five. Importantly, 49 students passed both Mathematics and English Language – the basic requirement for entry into university and other tertiary institutions.”
Comparatively, he said, the last graduating class from the Banjul campus saw no students achieving credit in all nine subjects; only one student passed both English and Mathematics.
“This clearly shows that the relocation to Brusubi Phase 2 has significantly improved the school’s academic performance,” Mr. Jallow declared.
He also outlined their ambitious development plans for the new campus, including additional classroom blocks, a multi-purpose assembly hall, modern laboratories, and administrative buildings.
These improvements, he added, would be carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Board of Governors, and the school’s alumni association.
Mr Jallow also commented that the quality of student intake has improved, adding that their learning environment is now more conducive. In that vein, he heaped praises on past leadership for spearheading the relocation initiative.
To the 2025 graduating class, Principal Jallow urged them not to view the WASSCE as their final achievement, but rather the beginning of a much-higher academic and personal journey.
“WASSCE is only a West African qualification not an international one. To meet global standards, you must strive for higher education, embrace discipline, and remain committed to your goals.”
He equally advised students against irregular migration widely referred to as – ‘backway,’ further encouraging students to seek legal and safe pathways ‘if they choose to work abroad.’
“Success is not easy, but with perseverance, faith, and proper guidance, you can make it here in The Gambia,” he concluded.
