The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST) on 24 February 2026 officially launched the National Stakeholder Engagement and Requirements Gathering Workshop under the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund, aimed at producing workforce-ready graduates to meet The Gambia’s evolving labour market needs.
The event, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, brought together government officials, university vice-chancellors, industry leaders, civil society, students, and development partners.
In her keynote remarks, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology (MOHERST), Isatou Auber, emphasised the importance of inclusive and responsive education systems.
She highlighted that while thousands of young graduates emerge weekly across the globe, many face barriers transitioning into employment or entrepreneurship.
“The THET Fund reflects our ministry’s commitment to strengthening the link between education, skills development, and national productivity,” she said, urging participants to engage openly in co-creating solutions for workforce readiness.
Chairman of the THET Fund Board, Muhammed Jah, stressed the need for practical, industry-aligned learning environments. He noted that modern laboratories, workshops, digital classrooms, and research facilities are essential for producing graduates who can contribute immediately to industry.
“If graduates must be retrained in the workplace, we are wasting time and resources,” he honestly stated. “This fund allows us to invest in infrastructure, inclusive access, and skills development that empower our youth to thrive.”
For his part, Minister of MoHERST, Professor Pierre Gomez, highlighted the role of higher education in national transformation.
He calls for close collaboration between academia and industry, stressing that the success of graduates determines the nation’s progress.
“Our objective is to produce skilled, adaptable, and industrious citizens who can drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable development,” he stated. “This requires partnership, shared responsibility, and functional education that bridge the gap between learning and employment.”
The workshop provides a platform for identifying skills gaps, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.
MoHERST reaffirmed its commitment to equipping Gambian graduates with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, emphasizing that meaningful change requires collaboration between government, academia, industry, students, civil society, and communities.
The launch of the THET Fund workshop marks a critical step towards building a new generation of capable, employable, and industry-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
