Gambia’s higher education leaders gather for strategic retreat to shape 2025 agenda

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST) has kicked off a five-day sector retreat at Sindola Hotel, Kanilai, in the West Coast Region.

Running from February 10th to 14th, the retreat aims to review past commitments, refine strategic priorities, and enhance coordination among institutions under the ministry.

The high-profile gathering brings together key stakeholders from the tertiary and higher education sector, including senior government officials, university leadership, and representatives from accreditation bodies.

The retreat was officially opened by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Amin/Finance) Ndeye Fatou Trawally, who welcomed participants and set the tone for the week. She emphasized that the event provides a platform for stakeholders to assess challenges, engage in meaningful discussions, and establish a unified vision aligned with national and global education goals.

In his keynote address, Hon. Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, highlighted the retreat’s significance, stating, “The goal of this retreat is to bring together the leadership of the higher education sector to assess progress, align strategies, and set the course for 2025.”

He further noted that The Gambia’s higher education landscape has undergone major transformations in recent years, with institutions such as:

• The University of The Gambia (UTG)
• The University of Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (USET)
• The Civil Service University (CSU)
• The University of Education Gambia (UEG)

The National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA)

These institutions continue to play a pivotal role in driving quality education, research, and innovation—all essential components of the national development agenda.

The 2025 Strategic Retreat is structured around five core objectives:

1. Assessing 2024 Achievements – Reviewing institutional growth, programme accreditation, and research advancements.

2. Setting Strategic Priorities for 2025 – Establishing clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) focused on institutional autonomy and collaboration.

3. Enhancing Cross-Institutional Synergies – Strengthening partnerships to maximize impact and avoid duplication of efforts.

4. Addressing Sector-Wide Challenges – Developing solutions for funding, infrastructure, and capacity-building.

5. Strengthening Governance and Accountability – Reinforcing the role of governing councils in ensuring transparency and institutional effectiveness.

The retreat features an impressive lineup of education leaders, including:

Hon. Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education

Prof. Momodou Mustapha Fanneh, Chairperson, Governing Council, UTG

Alieu Badara Senghore, Chairperson, Governing Council, UEG

Ebriama Cham, Chairperson, Governing Council, USET

Dr. Burama L. J. Jammeh, Chairperson, Governing Council, CSU

Alhaji Momodou Jallow, Chairperson, Governing Council, NAQAA

Mucktarr M. Y. Darboe, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical)

Vice Chancellors, Directors, and Technical/Administrative Staff from MoHERST

With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and governance, the retreat is expected to yield actionable strategies that will shape the future of higher education in The Gambia.