Higher Education Minister Handover GMD 2.1 Million Worth of Equipment to USET Kanilai Campus

By Seedy Jobe

The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Pierre Gomez, on Friday, April 24, 2026, presided over the official handover of equipment valued at GMD 2,095,500 to the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) Kanilai Campus.

The equipment, provided through a partnership with the International Trade Centre, is intended to strengthen practical training in electrical and solar installation, plumbing and pipefitting, as well as hairdressing.

The ceremony brought together senior government officials, including the Deputy Governor of the West Coast Region, National Assembly members, representatives of non-governmental organisations, students, and members of the media.

In his keynote address, Minister Gomez described the intervention as a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and expand access to skills-based education nationwide.

“This occasion represents yet another important milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education and training in The Gambia. Today’s ceremony transcends the mere transfer of equipment,” he stated.

He noted that the provision of modern training tools would enhance practical learning, promote competency-based education, and better prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship. He further said the initiative aligns with the National Development Plan and the government’s Rural Transformation Agenda.

“Considering the capacity of the USET Kanilai Campus, we are taking quality, industrially relevant training closer to communities beyond the Greater Banjul Area. Education must be decentralised,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding TVET access to rural areas.

According to the minister, the initiative is aimed at empowering young people—particularly in rural communities—with market-relevant skills that contribute to national development, job creation, and the transition toward a green economy.

He also commended development partners, including the MRC Holland Foundation and Brighter Futures, for their continued contribution to the growth of the USET Kanilai Campus. He noted that their support “goes well beyond the provision of equipment” and represents an investment in the country’s youth and long-term development.

“This partnership is helping to bridge the gap between education and industry while supporting national priorities such as renewable energy development, skills upgrading, and employment creation,” he added.

Minister Gomez urged students to make full use of the equipment provided, and called on the university’s management and staff to ensure its proper maintenance and effective utilisation for sustained quality training delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of the West Coast Region, Deputy Governor Musa Amul Nyassi underscored the importance of skills development to national economic growth.

“Skills development is basically the nation’s need. Without it, you may have resources and people, but there is no way of allowing them into the environment. The skilled workforce uses technology better, wastes less materials and innovates, working jobs that directly raise our GDP,” he said.

He further noted that technical skills are essential for industrialisation, reducing import dependency, and promoting value addition within the economy.

Nyassi commended MoHERST for revitalising the institution, noting that sustained efforts by the current and former leadership had helped restore the campus to operational status.

Addressing the gathering, International Trade Centre Country Representative in The Gambia, Yusupha Keita, said the handover forms part of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund-supported Infrastructure for Peace Project in the Foni region.

“It is indeed a great honour that under the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund-supported Infrastructure for Peace Project, to formally hand over this important package of support to the people of Foni,” he said.

Keita emphasised that the International Trade Centre views peacebuilding as closely linked to economic opportunity and livelihoods, noting that sustainable peace is strengthened when people have access to skills and employment.

He highlighted that over the past three years, the project has supported more than 100 women, facilitated participation in the GCCI Trade Fair, strengthened sports associations, and funded dialogue initiatives aimed at promoting social cohesion in Foni.

He further revealed that 50 young people received scholarships—25 in solar installation and 25 in hairdressing—and that all graduates were provided with start-up toolkits to enable them to immediately begin work after training.

“Because we told them, when you complete the training programme successfully, you have demonstrated that you are serious and committed. So today, we will support you with the start-up tools, and you will start the same job from here, today,” he said.

Keita reaffirmed the ITC’s commitment to continued collaboration with MoHERST, noting that the intervention is designed to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.