By: Sering Mass Jallow
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) on Friday awarded ten outstanding University of The Gambia (UTG) graduates for their exceptional academic performance, conferring on them scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies abroad.
The award ceremony, held at the Ministry’s conference hall in Bijilo, brought together top officials and proud families to celebrate what was described as “a moment of national pride.” The honourees, selected from various schools within the university, were recognised as the best graduating students in their respective fields.
The Ministry presented each of the ten awardees with a letter of commitment, symbolising the government’s support for their future academic journeys.
In her opening remarks, Jainaba Jagne Permanent Secretary of MoHERST congratulated the awardees and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing higher education. “We commend you for the great work you have done. The Ministry and the Government of The Gambia will constantly and consistently support you in all your higher education endeavours,” she said.
Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, praised the students for their discipline and excellence, calling the moment a celebration of the transformative power of education. “It is with immense pride and profound joy that I join you today to celebrate excellence, dedication, and the transformative power of education,” he said.
Prof. Gomez urged the graduates to become agents of positive change, stressing the need for ethical leadership in all sectors. “Use the knowledge you have gained to uplift others. The Gambia needs your innovation in governance, healthcare, technology, education, and entrepreneurship,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Foday M. Sillah crowned the overall best graduating student at the 2024 UTG Convocation thanked the Ministry for the honour. “These awards go a long way in helping us achieve our goals, both as individuals and as a country,” he said.
