By: Fatou Krubally
The American International University West Africa (AIUWA) on Friday, May 9, officially welcomed 225 newly admitted students at a vibrant orientation ceremony held at the university’s Health Science Campus in Kanifing.
The event marked a major milestone, coinciding with the university’s 15 years of existence, and comes ahead of its 9th convocation scheduled end of May.
AIUWA Chancellor and Founding President Mr. Dinesh Shukla delivered an impassioned keynote address, calling on students to be extraordinary and embrace their role in national development. “You are the key players in the development of this country and this university,” Mr. Shukla said.
He urged the students to work hard, honour the sacrifices of their parents, and uphold ethics and integrity. “I believe in what President Obama said: Yes we can! Keep your integrity. Keep your ethics. That is the most important thing,” he told the gathering.
The ceremony was moderated by Prof. Momodou Mousa Baro, Head of the College of Nursing and Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program. He introduced the structure of the university, which includes three major colleges: Medicine and Health Sciences, Nursing Sciences, and Management and Information Technology.
Prof. Aloysius O. Ikwuka, Head of the Department of Basic Sciences, gave a sobering academic forecast to the incoming students. “AIUWA is not like high school. It is a system of continuous and intensive teaching and learning. In just three weeks, some of you will be sitting your first quiz,” he said. He also outlined the university’s tough grading structure, where scoring an ‘A’ begins at 90 percent, and students are assessed through attendance, quizzes, assignments, and both mid- and end-of-trimester exams.
Also addressing the freshers were Prof. Kabiru Abubakar, Head of Pharmacy and Provost of the College of Medicine, and Associate Prof. Sankung Jobarteh, Clinical Director of Pharmacy. They highlighted the academic rigor and real-world exposure students will face, including clinical rotations, research projects, and placements in hospital and community settings.
This year marks a special chapter for AIUWA, which has grown into one of the leading private universities in The Gambia since its establishment 15 years ago. With its 9th convocation approaching, the university continues to shape the next generation of professionals across the region.
The orientation ended with one clear message: the journey starts now. “Welcome to AIUWA,” said Prof. Ikwuka. “Your work begins Monday.”
