Gambia College Inches Closer to Becoming a University of Education
By Awa Sanneh
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research Science, and Technology (MoHERST) is taking steps to turn Gambia College into a specialised university of education. A two-day validation workshop, which started on January 3rd, 2024, at Bakadaji Hotel in Kololi, marks a key moment in this transformation.
The aim is clear: create a university that focuses on producing well-trained teachers and specialists across various educational fields. This move is intended to improve access to tertiary and higher education opportunities for all.
Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Research Science, and Technology, outlined the key principles behind the initiative.
“The fundamental principles guiding this initiative are quality, accessibility, and relevance. We have proposed a strategic realignment of academic entities within The Gambia College; the plan is to transfer all other schools of Gambia College to the University of The Gambia except the School of Education, which will find its new home in the transformed Gambia College.”
Prof. Gomez emphasises that this shift will concentrate on teacher education, creating an environment for producing higher educators and specialists in different educational fields.
Since the establishment of the Gambia College Transformation Committee in April 2023, the ministry has engaged in consultations and study tours in various countries.
Dr. Katim Serign Touray, Chairman of the Gambia College Transformation Committee, shared insights into the comprehensive steps taken, including consultations in Gambia, Ghana, and an international online survey.
Acknowledging the initiative, Adama Jimba Jobe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, commended MoHERST for its forward-thinking approach.
“The issue of transforming the Gambia college into a university of education is long overdue, because we have made a lot of success as far as access starting from nursery to senior secondary is concern in this country, but quality is still a challenge and the issue of quality can only be addressed when the teacher component is looked into.”
Dr. Badara Alieu Senghore, Chairman of the Gambia College Governing Council, stressed the need to address the shortage of graduate and professional teachers, especially in crucial subject areas.
“It is a shame to even attempt to count the number of qualified teachers we have in all the subject matters in the school system. The UTG could have produced [sufficient qualified teachers] if it started with a faculty of education only,” he stressed.
Henrietta Sonko, Coordinator, MRC Holland Foundation, expressed support for the initiative.
During the validation workshop, the committee, informed by key stakeholders and study tour findings, will draft a roadmap and a proposal for transforming Gambia College into a university of education. This document will undergo community input and feedback, ensuring extensive participation in shaping the future of education in the country.