“Faraba Banta Campus Is One of The Gambia’s Most Ambitious Educational Investments,” Prof. Gomez Says as MoHERST Unveils UTG Lot 4 Design

By Seedy Jobe

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST) on Wednesday unveiled the design for Lot 4 of the University of The Gambia’s Faraba Banta Campus, describing it as another major step in the government’s effort to expand access to quality higher education.

The unveiling, held at the ministry’s conference hall, was attended by ministry officials and members of the media.

Speaking at the event, Higher Education Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez said the project forms part of President Adama Barrow’s vision to transform the University of The Gambia into a modern national university that drives research, innovation, and national development.

He highlighted progress already made at the Faraba Banta Campus, including completed academic schools, the Dr. Badara Joof Library, laboratories, the Chancery Building, the Faculty of Law, the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, as well as the ongoing construction of the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences.

According to Prof. Gomez, Lot 4 will include a 3,000-seat congress hall, a School of Graduate Studies, multipurpose sports facilities, and a community square with cafeterias. He said the project is being implemented by MoHERST in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and development partners, in line with President Barrow’s directive to continue expanding higher education infrastructure.

“The Faraba Banta Campus represents one of the most ambitious educational investments in our nation’s history,” Prof. Gomez said, adding that the expansion demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating a world-class learning environment that promotes academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research.

He said President Barrow has directed the ministry to prioritize delivery by accelerating infrastructure development and advancing the government’s broader transformation agenda to ensure Gambian youth can access quality education at home.

Prof. Gomez called on all stakeholders to support the implementation of the project with transparency, quality, and efficiency.

“Let us build not only outstanding infrastructure, but also a lasting legacy of academic excellence that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.

He added that the unveiling of the Lot 4 design reaffirms the government’s commitment to making the University of The Gambia a center of excellence that contributes to national development, regional competitiveness, and global scholarship.