By: Fatou Krubally
President Adama Barrow has announced plans for a Graduate Engineering Deployment Programme aimed at integrating newly qualified engineers into national development projects.
Also, he has directed the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the management of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) to accelerate the implementation of the university’s Phase II expansion programme.
Barrow made the announcement on Saturday while presiding over USET’s second convocation ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
Addressing graduates, academics, government officials and development partners, the president said science, technology and innovation remained central to The Gambia’s development agenda.
He stresses that the country’s future depends on producing skilled professionals capable of responding to emerging national and global challenges.
“We did not establish USET simply to produce graduates. We established it to produce the right graduates,” Barrow said, adding that engineers and technology experts are critical to addressing infrastructure, energy, environmental and industrial challenges.
The president said government plans to establish a College of Energy and Petroleum Engineering, a College of Computer Engineering and a College of Building Environment under the expansion programme.
He described the proposed institutions as strategic investments aligned with national development priorities.
Barrow urged graduates to go beyond academic qualifications and become innovators and problem-solvers contributing to economic transformation.
“Today’s world honours innovators, critical thinkers and visionary agents of change,” he said, calling on graduates to apply their skills to challenges such as climate change, unemployment, food insecurity, public health and environmental sustainability.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nazima Surajideen-Bakedi outlined key achievements recorded by the university over the past year, including restructuring of academic programmes, staff development initiatives and expanded international partnerships.
She said all academic programmes have been submitted for accreditation and are at an advanced stage with the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority.
Surajideen-Bakedi added that six staff members completed doctoral studies since 2024, while nearly 50 others benefited from international training programmes in countries including China and Poland.
She further reported that USET students recently won US$10,000 in the Youth Agricultural Innovation Challenge supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Japan and the Government of The Gambia.
A total of 951 students graduated during the ceremony from various colleges and institutes of the university.
In closing, Barrow reaffirmed government commitment to expanding access to higher education and strengthening investment in science, technology and innovation.
“Let your skills serve as a driving force in service to your nation,” he told the graduating class.