Gambia Unveils $46 Million Medical School Project at UTG: A Historic Milestone for Higher Education

In a bold move set to revolutionize healthcare education in The Gambia, the Government has announced the construction of a State-of-the-Art School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at the University of The Gambia’s (UTG) Faraba Banta Campus.

The landmark project, valued at approximately $46 million, was unveiled by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez, during a press briefing held at the Ministry’s conference hall in Bijilo.

Professor Gomez stated that Lot 2 of the Fixed Package of the UTG Development Project at Faraba Banta Campus will be officially inaugurated by President Adama Barrow on December 27, 2025, and that the event will also mark the foundation stone laying for Lot 3, which includes the new medical school.

“This marks a historic milestone for The Gambia,” said Professor Gomez. “The School of Medicine will feature 16 state-of-the-art medical laboratories, making it a flagship institution for medical education in the region.”

The minister also highlighted the successful completion of several faculties under Lot 1, and outlined the upcoming institutions within Lot 2, which include the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Law, and a new 7-story Chancery Building.

He stressed that the relocation of UTG to Faraba Banta is permanent and driven by a strong sense of national purpose.

“It is a vision anchored in patriotism and a commitment to transforming higher education in The Gambia for the national interest,” he said.

According to Professor Gomez, President Barrow has mandated the completion of Lot 1 and Lot 2 within two years, and affirmed that the goal will be achieved.

“The Gambia will become a hub for medical education where people will come for academic tourism,” he added.

The ambitious project will not only expand infrastructure but also invest in human capital. Minister Gomez revealed plans for capacity-building opportunities for lecturers, including specialized training packages at international universities, which will enhance the nation’s academic capacity and innovation potential.

The initiative was warmly received by the Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Prof. Herbert Robinson, who praised the Ministry’s efforts and vision.

“These developments are essential as the country continues to strengthen its higher education infrastructure,” he said.

The press briefing was moderated by Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, Permanent Secretary of MoHERST, who commended the progress of the UTG development project and emphasized its relevance to national development goals.

With the announcement of this transformative project, The Gambia is poised to take a leading role in West Africa’s medical education landscape.