Nigeria’s Support Revolutionising Higher Education In The Gambia
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Education is often regarded as the cornerstone of national development, and strategic partnerships can play a crucial role in strengthening academic institutions.
One of such partnerships is yielding remarkable results in The Gambia, where Nigeria’s intervention in higher education is transforming the sector.
During a visit to the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) in Abuja, the Gambian Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, expressed his government’s deep appreciation for Nigeria’s contributions.
He highlighted the game-changing impact of Nigerian Engineering Professors deployed to The Gambia’s University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET).
Their expertise, he noted, has led to a surge in student enrollment from just 47 to over 200 in the last academic season.
“These professors have not only improved technical skills but are also fostering innovation and enterprise development,” Professor Gomez said. “Their professionalism has brought a new wave of creative solutions, helping universities move towards self-sustainability rather than solely relying on government funding.”
The Gambia, beyond appreciation is seeking more Nigerian expertise according to Professor Gomez who revealed that his country is establishing a new University of Education and is once again looking to Nigeria for support. “Your volunteers have exceeded expectations, and we now need your educators to mentor our teachers and administrators,” he pleaded.
Responding, the Director-General of NTAC, Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening education in The Gambia and other ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) nations.
He promised to initiate the process of sending more professionals, emphasising that the impact of such collaboration will shape The Gambia’s education sector for decades.
With education being a powerful tool for nation-building, Nigeria’s unwavering support to The Gambia is proving to be a model for South-South cooperation, fostering academic excellence and sustainable development across borders.
