Cabinet Approves Proposal on New Financing Mechanism for Higher Education

By Lamin Kujabi

During the cabinet meeting held on Thursday, 19th January 2023 the Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez presented a paper on financing mechanism for tertiary and higher education in The Gambia. This was revealed by the Minister of Information Lamin Queen Jammeh who was updating the press about the outcome of the Thursday meeting at State House. “It is imperative that we have a vibrant higher education system which will in turn require investment in our human capital development,” he quoted the Higher Education Minister.

Minister Gomez  said that MoHERST is taking the lead in the transformative vision of developing a vibrant higher education sector which will spur the emergence of innovative technologies and cutting age scientific research. This he said will require a strong investment commitment towards funding higher education research and innovation.

Minister Jammeh said Minister Gomez explained that in The Gambia, the entire tertiary and higher education landscape is relatively narrow, relative to the scope, participation and capacity and output, while the education system is expanding substantially on the lower and secondary levels.

The proposal he said was reviewed and approved by cabinet.

Minister Jammeh informed that Ousman A. Bah, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy also presented a papers with proposals on review of contract between High-tech Payment System (HPS), Central Bank of The Gambia and Unique Solution in relation to the payment gateway; having in place a  government email system, which aimed to ensure a secured email communications for government officials in conducting official transactions; as well as removal of international incoming  charges for ECOWAS members states in relation of ECOWAS free running agreement 2022.