Speaking at the award ceremony, Seedy Sheriff Ceesay, Administrative Secretary of the NPP, described the scholarships as a bold investment in the nation’s future: “Last year, we supported 50 young men and women who showed real promise but lacked resources. This year, we are recognizing 120 awardees, a clear sign of our commitment to education, inclusion, and the future of this country,” he said to resounding applause.
Ceesay emphasised that the scholarships represent more than financial aid, they are a declaration of faith in Gambian youth.
“No young person should have their dreams curtailed because of financial hardship,” he declared. “Under the leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, we are building a Gambia where every child has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.”
“Let us commit to expanding opportunities, lifting one another, and leaving no one behind. May Allah bless our students, our party, and the Republic of The Gambia.”
He urged recipients to remain focused, nurture their ambitions, and give back to their communities.
Dr. Demba Sabally, Minister for` Agriculture and NPP’s First Vice President, reiterated that the scholarships were not funded by the government but by the party leadership and President Barrow himself.
“This is not a cost, but an investment,” Sabally said. “Our happiest days are when we sit with bright young minds like you. We believe that one day, someone in this room could become a president, a minister, or a leader of our great nation.”
He linked education directly to national development, calling on students to apply their knowledge to transform sectors like agriculture through innovation.
“Countries like South Korea turned mountains into farms through technology. We can do the same,” he added.
Kodu Jeng, Chairperson of Women in STEM, shared her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leading nearly 1,000 women professionals in science and technology.
“Success isn’t just about what you achieve,” she said. “It’s about what you give. Use your success to lift others.”
Jeng encouraged students to embrace digital literacy and artificial intelligence, urging them to dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to learning new technologies.
“The future belongs to those who innovate, adapt, and lead,” she said. “To the girls in this room—there is no magic behind success. You can do it.”
The NPP’s scholarship initiative represents a shift in political priorities, placing education at the heart of national development. By directly funding these scholarships, the ruling party is setting a precedent for leadership-driven investment in human capital, one that could redefine how political parties engage with youth and education in The Gambia.
