By Mahzouba Maya Faal
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology has recently inaugurated a Higher Education Advisory Committee (HEAC). Membership of the Committee has been drawn from diverse backgrounds including academia, policy, research, entrepreneurship, administration, management, public, private, national, and the diaspora.
The main purpose of the HEAC is to enable seasoned Gambian experts who are rich in thought, experience, and character to work in consultation with the Ministry in addressing issues affecting the higher education sector. Thus, the HEAC will support the Ministry on the attainment of its vision, which is to develop the critical mass of personnel in relevant fields and sectors; as well as its mission, which ensures that higher education (including technical education), research, science, technology, arts, and innovation are developed to support national development objectives.
One of the tasks outlined for the Committee is to assist in mobilising funds for the higher education sector in supporting the Ministry’s transformative agenda of revitalisation of higher education and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). It is worth mentioning that out of their selflessness and love for country, the HEAC members have agreed to work pro bono.
