By Seedy Jobe
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology said it had convened a meeting with registrars of the country’s public universities following their return from a study tour in Nigeria aimed at strengthening administrative leadership in the higher education sector.
The registrars, drawn from the University of The Gambia, University of Science, Engineering, and Technology, University of Education, The Gambia, and Civil Service University, participated in the experiential learning visit from Jan. 19 to Jan. 30. The program included engagements at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife and Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria.
In a statement, the ministry said the tour was designed to strengthen the registrars’ professional capacity in managing administrative and technical operations at their institutions as The Gambia advances reforms in its tertiary education system.
“The visit aimed to strengthen their professional capacity in managing administrative and technical operations within their respective universities, especially as the country advances its tertiary and higher education transformation agenda,” MoHERST said in a statement.
During a post-tour briefing with ministry officials, the registrars highlighted several lessons from their visit, particularly the role of digital systems in improving the management of universities. They said greater use of technology could help institutions operate more efficiently while strengthening transparency and accountability in administrative processes.
“Technology in university management is crucial to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” the statement noted.
The officials also emphasized the importance of clear communication channels within universities and noted the central role registrars play in supporting research and innovation.
According to the ministry, the registrars called for sustained support from the ministry, university governing councils, and senior management teams to enable them to carry out their responsibilities effectively. They also noted that Obafemi Awolowo University had expressed willingness to offer doctoral opportunities to help further develop their professional expertise.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to staff development across the tertiary education sector, describing continued capacity-building initiatives as a central part of its mandate to strengthen higher education institutions in The Gambia.
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