The Daily Observer (Banjul)
28 April 2011
editorial
Relations between the government of The Gambia and the Arab Bank for Development in Africa (BADEA) can aptly be described as fruitful, as demonstrated by the moral commitment by both sides meant to advance the socio-economic development of the Gambian people and humanity at large.
Investing in the education sector of a developing country like The Gambia is the most important and sustainable investment that any true friend can conceive and implement as illustrated in the recent signing of a US$ 7 million loan agreement between the government of The Gambia and BADEA, at a ceremony held at the State House, presided over by the development-oriented Gambian leader.
The loan, which is meant to boost the construction of the University of the Gambia (UTG) campus located in Faraba Bantang in Kombo East of the West Coast Region, is indeed a significant step towards complimenting the efforts of President Jammeh, the person behind the establishment of the UTG. It is obvious that education plays an imperative role in the development of any given society, as such university education and other forms of higher education deserve support and attention, bearing in mind its impact on human resource development of the country.
Completion of the UTG campus will greatly enhance the smooth running and effective operations of the country’s only university, which started in 1999 as a University Extension Programme through the brilliant and visionary initiative of the president. This move was in response to the overwhelming desire to bring quality, accessible and affordable education to Gambians on Gambian soil irrespective of political or other considerations. Today the UTG has become a first-class university comparable to any other university across the globe. It can now boast of producing graduates occupying key positions in different sectors in The Gambia and beyond.
The UTG project confirmed the zeal, commitment and determination of the president to make The Gambia a well-developed nation and a beacon of hope worthy of emulation within Africa and beyond. It equally serves as a challenge for all Gambians to be committed and determined to contribute their quota towards the development of the country.
The university campus, once completed will undoubtedly provide a conducive learning environment for students, which will in turn boost their morale and spur them to achieve some of the best academic records expected of university students, in whose hands the future of the country lies.
AllAfrica – All the Time
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