By Lamin Kujabi
The Lot 1 of the University of The Gambia (UTG) Faraba Banta campus project, which entails Schools of Education; Information Technology and Communication; Arts and Sciences; Business and Public Administration; a library; a roundabout; car park, step-down electrical substation; and waste water treatment plant, has been officially inaugurated.
The key co-financiers of the UTG campus lot one project are: Kuwait Fund, OPEC Fund, Saudi Fund, BADEA and Islamic Development Bank (IDB).
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, held on Saturday March 2nd at Faraba Banta, the President of the Republic and Chancellor of the University, Adama Barrow, described the occasion as the story of a long journey to provide the faculty and students of our national pride a permanent campus; a campus where they can focus on educational pursuits without having to worry about where to hold classes, where to access resource materials, or where to utilise suitable equipment that enhance learning.
“At last, after thirty-four years of existence, the UTG now has a permanent home. The bitter experience of students trekking to and from rented halls and makeshift classrooms or, sometimes, attending classes under trees is now history. We thank and praise Allah, the Almighty for this ground-breaking achievement,” he added.
He made reference to the African Union’s recognition of 2024 as the Year of Education, as it renewed its commitment to setting up an education system aligned with advanced socio-economic development. He noted that his government had already paid attention to the intricate link between education and socio-economic development and had already reflected this in the national development plans.
“While the declaration will strengthen our resolve in this endeavour, these magnificent university structures will not only add to the glamour and performance of the UTG as a learning centre to reckon with on the continent, but also complement the other laudable initiatives in the education sector,” the President pointed out.
The President made mention of his Government’s new strategy that is being piloted at the University of Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (USET) through a World Bank Project of the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence, which has innovation and entrepreneurship components embedded in three engineering programmes.
“Besides the new and upgraded tertiary institutions to provide university education and training, Government has also procured state-of-the-art equipment to support teaching and learning. Some of those items were unveiled during my last Meet-The-People Tour”.
President Barrow affirmed his Government’s commitment to investing in research and higher education.
He officially declared that the new library on the campus, is named after former Vice President of The Gambia late Dr Badara Alieu Joof, “in recognition of the length and quality of service of the late Vice President in the education sector”.
He thanked partners, IsDB, Kuwaiti Fund, BADEA, Saudi Fund, and OFID, for their trust in The Gambia and the Pan-African Consulting and Engineering Agency for their excellent consulting services; PCU, and Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering and Construction for the “imposing structure before us and its state-of-the-art facilities”, and other partners for their support.
The Chancellor announced that Lot Two, which consists of the Chancery, the Faculty of Law, and the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, will hopefully be completed by next year.
Professor Herbert Robinson, Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia described the inauguration as a remarkable milestone for the journey of the university.
He attested that all the buildings of the University are fully furnished with modern technological materials, and that the new UTG campus symbolises progress in education.
Ousman Bojang, Governor of West Coast Region, expressed delight for being part of “this historic inauguration, and commended the President for his commitment to transforming the country’s education system.
Representatives of Saudi Fund, Kuwait Fund, BADEA, and OPEC, all applauded the Barrow administration for the successful implementation of UTG Lot One.
