By Mahzouba Maya Fall
Following his appointment as Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez, last week began a tour of institutions, and project sites within his purview. During the tour the new minister made known his intention to revamp tertiary and higher education in the country and to ensure that the curricula are fit for purpose. To do this, he outlined the need to embed entrepreneurial skills education in the curriculum, “so that graduates will have the option of either working for the government, private sector or become self-independent”.
At the Gambia College campus in Brikama, which was his first point of call, Minister Gomez noted MoHESRT under his leadership will address the problems and needs of the College. This was after the Principal of the College, and key staff highlighted some of the needs and challenges the College has been dealing with.
“Gambia College is where I started and learnt the art. This was my first work place,” he said, assuring that the Ministry will do its level best to change the trajectory of the institution.
The Minister went on to outline the plan he has for Gambia College and it includes: digitalisation of The Gambia College Library, so that students can have access to e-journals just as at the UTG; as well as a national digital library, whereby students from any higher and tertiary institution in the country can have access to first hand learning materials.
He also mentioned support to the research component of the College; support the transformation process of the Gambia College into a Teacher Education University.
Minister Gomez and team also visited The University of The Gambia Faraba Bantang Campus, which has been under construction.
