The Nigeria International School (NIS) The Gambia situated at Old Yundum was officially inaugurated in April 2013 by the then minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Momodou Tangara, on behalf of the Gambian government.
Since its establishment, the school has not only opened doors in terms of delivering education to only Gambian and Nigerian students, but to other nationalities resident in The Gambia.
Laying the foundation, Timothy Bolu-Martin, consular officer at the Nigerian High Commission, described the event as a momentous day, noting that the High Commission is highly proud of the management and board of the Nigerian International School
“After many years of challenges, we are very happy that we are finally moving forward. We are seeing the school being re-positioned to becoming one of the schools that would be sending examples in the educational sector of The Gambia.” he said.
He assured of his office’s continued support to the development of the institution.
Also speaking, Dr. Sam Chima Ochulo, president of the Nigerian Community in The Gambia, expressed delight to be associated with the event and witnessing this ambitious development under his administration.
“This is the first time such development is happening since the beginning of the Nigerian Community in The Gambia and it’s happening under my administration.” he said.
Ochulo noted that since the coming of the present principal, who is a developer, the school started
making profit.
“For the past 10 to 15 years there was no profit generated from the school which led to some problems at the school. We were borrowing from the banks and individuals and my administration has paid all debt owed to the school, which amounts to over D500, 000.” he said.
His Royal Highness Oba Moshood Abolade, Ariwajoye 1, king of the Yoruba Community and Royal father of Nigerian Community in The Gambia, said that it is very important that the NIS is adding flavor to the country’s education system by bringing new development.
“It is also good to see that the new management of the school is shaping up in the next direction. I am happy that such development is happening under my tenure as Yoruba king in The Gambia. I was here when the foundation of the school was laid in 2011 and commissioned in 2013. I am happier again to see that they are laying a foundation for the Senior Secondary School”
Chairman of the Board Nigerian International School, Pastor Rex Ibezim, acknowledged that the school started well and that the vision of those that started the school was to take to a very big level
“But later some incapable hands were introduced into the system and mismanaged the system and misappropriated the funds. This made the school to encounter some difficulties for some period”
For his part, Pastor Sunday O, principal of Nigerian International School, expressed delight in launching another giant development, which he said, will no doubt position the school on another height.
“The beauty of the school doesn’t only matter but also to spread the name of the school as well.”
