By Sering Mass Jallow
The University of Education, formerly Gambia College, on Tuesday unveiled its first-ever degree programmes, marking a major milestone in the transformation of higher education in The Gambia.
The launching ceremony, held at the Brikama campus, brought together representatives from sister institutions, development partners and government officials.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Professor Adamu Ahmed described the initiative as a defining moment in the country’s university education sector.
He says the development signals “a new era” in which the institution fully assumes its mandate as a specialized university focused on teacher education, professional development, research, innovation and national service.
He notes that the transformation responds to long-standing calls for an institution dedicated to producing qualified educators capable of improving schools, communities and national development.
The undergraduate programmes announced include Bachelor of Science in Education (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography and Agriculture), as well as Bachelor of Arts programmes in English, French, Islamic Studies, History and Economics Education.
Additional programmes include Bachelor of Arts in Civic Education, Bachelor of Education in Primary Education, and Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education.
The university will also offer Bachelor of Science in Education with specialisations in home management, food and nutrition, and clothing and textile.
At postgraduate level, the institution will introduce programmes including Master of Science in Education Management Information Systems, Master of Education in Educational Administration and Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and Master of Education in Educational Measurement and Evaluation.
Professor Ahmed urged eligible Gambians to take advantage of what he described as a historic opportunity.
“To the young people of this country, your future begins here,” he said, adding that the university offers not only academic programmes but also opportunities for leadership, purpose and transformation.