By Kumba Leigh
Individuals have to pursue life-long learning skills to be able to determine their own destiny, and career path, by enhancing employability, and labour productivity. This helps countries to become more competitive, ensure structural transformation, and economic growth,” said Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology, during the graduation ceremony of the Indian Institute for Hardware and Technology (IIHT).
Held on Saturday, July 16th the third graduation ceremony of the Institute saw four hundred (400) students being conferred academic awards having completed various courses in the Information Technology discipline.
The Indian Institute for Hardware and Technology is a global pioneer in Information Management System (IMS) with an established presence in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Europe. It was established in The Gambia in 2018, and started effective operation in 2019.
Further in his address, the Higher Education Minister told the graduates that the skills learned should lead to self-sufficiency, and accelerate economic growth and development.
He revealed that his ministry is currently embarked on an educational transformation, and that they are assessing the educational system in relation to the needs, and aspiration of the people.
Minister Gomez underscored the significance of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) which he said is the centre of their strategic plan for 2022 to 2025.
He disclosed that GTTI has already been transformed into the University of Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology, and is running three engineering programmes: Mechanical, Civil, and Electronic Engineering, in partnership Kwami Nkruma University in Ghana and others.
“The institute will stand out as one of the TVET institutes that can make fundamental difference. I am committed to providing any support to see youth of this country are given chance for productive life,’’ he assured IIHT.
Also speaking on the occasion was Ousman A. Bah, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, who remarked that “the nation’s success highly depends on the muscles of its youth”. He warned the graduating class that the path way to success is naturally punctuated with failures, and short comings, but that these could be countered by determination, perseverance, and dedication.
The event was also graced by the Ministers of Youth, and Sports; Women, Children, and Social Welfare; renowned politicians and religious leaders, as well as families of the graduating students.
