He added that as an emerging center, it has to carry out the features of transformation of University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology.
He noted that the institution was initiated with the vision to be one of the leading universities in Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation for Entrepreneurship in Africa and the vision as a public institution that offers degree programs in science and engineering as well as skills development. The mission is to consolidate the institution’s position as a center of excellence with distinct and relevant technical programs for entrepreneurship, he added.
Mr. Saine, made the remarks in a follow-up interview with The Point on its recent third general students’ orientation and matriculation of 57 students for class 2023 College of Engineering students.
He said the transformation of GTTI into a University had to do with the long-term vision to ensure that youth of the country have a future in their own country, especially a country that is endowed with a youthful population of about 64%.
“Out of national interest, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology had the goals of transforming our tertiary education to higher education and with the appointment of the late Vice President, Alieu Badara Joof who had spearheaded boldly with strong commitment and vigor to champion this course of transformation. That is why USET is where it is today,” he acknowledged.
He advanced that the late VP handed over the mantle of leadership to his successor, Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, whom he confirmed that is also doing marvellously well to ensure that nothing is deviated from the course of the former late Vice President.
He described Professor Gomez as very much committed in steering the affairs of technical and vocational education to the levels where Gambia needs to produce home grown engineers for the development of the country.
