The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez, has reaffirmed the Government of The Gambia’s commitment to empowering young people through education, skills development, research and innovation.
The Minister made the statement at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Youth Parliament Sittings and National Youth Assembly, where he highlighted ongoing investments by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) to expand access to quality education and equip young Gambians with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Professor Gomez said education remains the foundation of empowerment and a key driver of national progress. He noted that significant investments have been made at the University of The Gambia (UTG) Faraba Banta Campus, including four academic schools, the Dr. Badara Joof Library, modern laboratories, water and wastewater treatment plants, and postgraduate faculty training.
He further highlighted developments under Lot 2 of the UTG project, including the seven-storey Chancery Building, Faculty of Law and the Dr. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Lot 3, he said, will deliver the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, equipped with advanced medical equipment and telemedicine technology.
Turning to technical and vocational education, the Minister highlighted the role of the University of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (USET) in strengthening practical and technology-driven education. He noted the establishment of modern laboratories and workshops in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, with further expansion planned under Phase 2 of the ACE Innovate Project.
Professor Gomez also pointed to the UNIPOD innovation hub at USET’s Kanifing Campus as an important platform for youth entrepreneurship, innovation and problem-solving.
He said regional TVET centres in Ndemban, Kanilai, Mansakonko and Jullangel are equipping young Gambians with practical skills in areas including agriculture, engineering, ICT, tailoring and welding. Additional centres are being established in CRR North and CRR South, while specialised centres focusing on agribusiness, fisheries and aquaculture are also being developed under the RISE Project.
On financing opportunities, the Minister outlined several national mechanisms established to support young people and strengthen the higher education sector. These include the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF), the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund, the Student Revolving Loan Scheme (SRLS) and the Skills Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (SIE Fund).
The SIE Fund provides institutional grants, training grants and start-up support, with more than GMD 83 million being invested in youth empowerment and job creation.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of available opportunities, particularly those seeking to enrol in TVET programmes and young entrepreneurs with registered businesses who are eligible for support.
The Minister also highlighted key policies being implemented by MoHERST, including the National Internship Policy, National Entrepreneurship Policy, National STI Policy, Gender and Inclusion Regulations and TVET Regulations. He said these interventions are designed to create equitable opportunities for young people while strengthening responsible citizenship, democratic participation and inclusive national development.
Addressing the young parliamentarians and members of the National Youth Assembly, Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez reminded them that young people are not only the future of The Gambia but are also active participants in its present development.
He urged them to embrace leadership, creativity and responsibility and to make full use of the opportunities created through investments in education, skills development, research and innovation.
“Let us work together, government, institutions, communities, and youth to build a Gambia where education, innovation, research, and skills development empower every young person to contribute meaningfully to national development and democratic governance,” he said.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to creating an education and skills development system that enables Gambian youth to thrive and play a meaningful role in the country’s development.
Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved