By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the first cohort of engineers trained entirely in The Gambia, describing their graduation as a historic milestone in the country’s pursuit of technological self-reliance and sustainable development.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the University of Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET), President Barrow commended the graduates as trailblazers and proud representatives of the institution’s vision.
“To the pioneering USET graduates, I proudly express hearty congratulations. You have doubly earned your degrees and made history as flagbearers of this institution. You represent the success of a bold vision and, henceforth, carry the hopes of an independent nation that is unstoppably determined to prosper unhindered,” President Barrow remarked.
He emphasized the critical role these new engineers will play in addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, including infrastructure development, energy provision, climate resilience, and digital transformation.
“The knowledge and skills you have acquired at USET will be vital in addressing the many development challenges we face, ranging from infrastructure development and energy provision to climate resilience and digital transformation hitches. As the first products of USET, we expect you to work and lead with sincerity, think and act critically and constructively, and productively contribute your quota to the nation. The Gambia needs your skills and expertise, and we crave the creativity and commitment that reside in you,” he said.
President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and ensuring it remains responsive to the country’s economic needs.
“The establishment of USET, the development of CoSE, and the graduation of this cohort of engineers are outcomes of deliberate policy choices and our drive to promote technical and vocational education and training and the Applied Sciences,” he stated.
He further pledged to continue supporting USET’s transformation into a regional center of excellence through sustained investments in infrastructure, capacity building, and research. “We will continue to support the transformation of USET into a centre of excellence, not for The Gambia alone, but for the region. This will be pursued through sustained investments in infrastructure, capacity building, and research, alongside other avenues,” he said.
The president also advises the graduating students not to perceive the achievements as the end of their journey.
“I advise you, the graduates, not to perceive this achievement as the end of a journey, but a leg in your professional careers and a potential gateway to national prominence in the future. Ride on your success gallantly, and gallop along with all the vigour, determination, ambition you can muster to serve humanity,” he concluded.
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