By Fatoumatta j camara &Fatoumatta Baldeh
The Ministry of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST) Wednesday 3rd January organized a validation workshop of the draft road map for the transformation of the Gambia college into aUniversity of Education at Bakadaji Hotel in Kololi.
The meeting brought together the Minister of Higher Education, Deputy Permanent Secretary representing the Minister of Secondary Education, coordinator of MRC HOLLAND foundation, MOHERST, Chairman of Gambia College Governing Council, civil servants, principal Gambia College, senior citizens and many others.
Minister Pierre Gomez of MOHERST, addressing the gathering, said their main aim to establish a specialized university that ‘’will not only meet the immediate needs in education system but also anticipate and address future challenges.’’ ‘’Our vision for this transformation is rooted in a commitment to excellence and equity,’’ he added. Minister Gomez disclosed that the fundamental principles guiding the initiative were geared towards quality, accessibility and relevance. To begin with, they proposed a strategy re-aliment academic entity 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 is the new home in transforming Gambia College. ‘‘This separation will enable the focus and specialized to teachers’ education. As we embark on the transformation journey our focus is dealing by dedication to foster quality education to ensure their training to degree level,’’ Minister Gomez remarked.
For his part, The Chairman of Gambia College Governing Council, Dr Alieu Badara Senghorhailed the move. “I always have the conviction that the University of the Gambia should have the target of faculty of education only. The Gambia has always lack sufficient graduate teachers in practically all the main subject areas in the school system,” he said. Dr. Senghor added that the University of the Gambia should have producedthem had it started with the faculty of education.He pointed out that the university could have started by building up the subject’s departmentswhich would develop and involve standalone faculties or departments as the university grow. ‘’It’s better late than never to transform the college into a specialized university of education,’’ Dr. Senghor remarked.
He went on to delve on the history behind the Gambia College and its contribution towards the development of the country. ‘’The stream lining and focusing teacher training and location exclusively the Gambia college is a wise policy move,’’ Dr. Senghor concluded.
Other speakers at the gathering included: The Coordinator of MRC HOLLAND foundation Dr Henry Sonko and Adama Demba Jobe, the deputy permanent secretary representing the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education.
