The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has officially awarded Scholarship Letters of Commitment to 10 outstanding graduates of the University of The Gambia (UTG), as part of a government initiative to support academic excellence and nurture future leaders.
The ceremony, held in honour of the UTG Excellence Award Class of 2024, was presided over by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez. The scholarships are aimed at supporting the recipients’ pursuit of postgraduate studies, both locally and internationally.
In his keynote address, Minister Gomez described the ceremony as “a celebration of academic excellence, resilience, and the transformative power of education”.
“These young graduates have not only excelled academically, but they have also demonstrated the kind of perseverance and commitment that this country needs,” he said. “Their journeys are a testament to the power of education to change lives, and change nations.”
Quoting Nelson Mandela, the Minister reminded the awardees: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” He added: “As future leaders, you have a responsibility to use your education not just for personal advancement, but for the betterment of your communities and our nation.”
Professor Gomez praised UTG as a national pillar of academic advancement. “UTG is The Gambia’s leading institution of higher learning. It continues to produce graduates who are driving change across every sector; from public service to technology, healthcare to education,” he said, noting: “It is time we fully acknowledge the university’s role in shaping our national destiny.”
He urged the graduates to remain humble and open to learning. “As you step into the next phase of your academic and professional lives, do so with humility, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose. Let your success be guided by integrity and a commitment to national development,” the minister added.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of MoHERST, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, congratulated the awardees and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to supporting higher education in The Gambia.
“These scholarships are not just rewards for past success,” she said. “They are investments in the future of our country. By supporting UTG’s top graduates, we aim to build a generation of scholars who will contribute to national, continental, and global progress.”
She added, “Through MoHERST, the government continues to strengthen educational infrastructure and ensure that deserving students have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.”
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Foday M. Sillah, the best graduating student (Bachelor of Arts in English Language), expressed heartfelt appreciation to the government, MoHERST, and UTG for their unwavering support.
“We are truly grateful for this opportunity. These scholarships are more than financial assistance; they are a vote of confidence in our ability to contribute meaningfully to The Gambia’s development,” Sillah said.
He commended UTG for the quality of education offered at both the former Kanifing and the new Faraba Banta campuses, and acknowledged the role of lecturers, mentors, and staff in nurturing student potential.
“This initiative reaffirms the government’s commitment to recognizing academic excellence as a cornerstone of sustainable national development,” he added. “We, the recipients, pledge to uphold the values of service, scholarship, and leadership as we advance in our careers.”
The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of the scholarship letters, marking a proud moment for the graduates and a milestone for the country’s higher education sector.
