Gambia Seeks to Align Universities with Workforce Needs Under New THET Fund

By Seedy Jobe

The Gambian government has renewed its commitment to strengthening tertiary and higher education, framing it as a key driver of national development, officials said Tuesday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center in Bijilo.

Speaking at the THET Fund National Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, titled “Co-Creating Workforce-Ready Graduates for The Gambia,” Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, stressed the importance of aligning university programs with the country’s broader human capital development goals.

“The development of a skilled, innovative, and workforce-ready generation of graduates requires more than curriculum reform,” Professor Gomez said. “It demands sustained investment in modern infrastructure, digital learning environments, research facilities, and inclusive campuses that connect students with industry needs.”

The workshop convened representatives from government, academia, industry, and civil society to discuss the design and operationalization of the THET Fund, an initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, addressing critical skills gaps, and enhancing graduate employability.

Professor Gomez also highlighted the importance of equitable access to higher education for students in rural and underserved communities, women and girls pursuing STEM disciplines, and persons with disabilities. He said these priorities align with the Yiriwa National Development Plan and President Adama Barrow’s wider agenda for human capital development.

“MoHERST remains committed to fostering inclusive partnerships and ensuring our universities and colleges produce competent, innovative graduates ready to meet the demands of the modern workforce,” he added.