By Binta Jaiteh
The Gambian government has officially launched the National Madrassah Board (NMB), a strategic move aimed at integrating Madrassah and Majalis (Islamic schools) graduates into tertiary and higher education.
This includes TVET, apprenticeship, and STEM programmes. The launch took place at the MoHERST Conference Hall in Kanifing on Thursday.
Minister of Higher Education, Professor Pierre Gomez, described the launch as a “significant governance reform” under the Gambia Madrassah Integration Strategy (GMIS) 2025–2029. He says the move ensures that Madrassah education—long respected for its role in shaping moral, spiritual, and intellectual character—now has structured pathways for students to access higher education opportunities.
“Many of these institutions have faced challenges with infrastructure, misaligned curricula, and limited financing,” Professor Gomez said. “This board will guide the system, creating pathways for thousands of young Gambians who have long been left at the margins of formal higher education.”
He emphasizes that the board is not only a policy requirement but a national necessity. “We expect strong leadership, transparent governance, and an unwavering focus on results. No student should be left behind,” he added.
Permanent Secretary Jainaba Jagne hailed Madrassah schools for nurturing children, strengthening moral values, and preserving religious identity. However, she acknowledged that many students have had limited access to mainstream higher education opportunities. “This initiative recognizes and empowers Madrassah learners to contribute meaningfully to national development while respecting Islamic values,” she said.
Chairperson Samba Baldeh welcomes the initiative, noting that it is the first time the country has attempted to harmonize and standardize Madrassah education. “With the growing number of students attending and graduating from Madrassahs, government intervention is necessary to ensure a harmonized curriculum, standardized examinations, and better prospects for graduates,” Baldeh added.
The launch of the National Madrassah Board marks a historic step in the Gambian education sector, creating structured pathways for faith-based education and ensuring Madrassah learners are fully integrated into the national education architecture.