President Adama Barrow says “the role of higher education in sustaining peace and stability in The New Gambia,” adding such recognition exceeds race, religion, creed, political affiliation and other strands of diversity.
According to him, it is accepted globally that universities are designated institutions to examine and find solutions to societal challenges, engineer growth and shape policy, among other critical pursuits.
Addressing the 12th convocation ceremony of The University of The Gambia, on Saturday he said this makes their role uniquely relevant in any national development endeavour.
“Universities are vital partners for progress, peace and prosperity. They are renowned for their role and involvement in providing crucial support through expert knowledge and informed options and alternatives for Governments. We honour them for the influence they have in developing human capital, and bringing out the brightest and best in society. The UTG is no exception to this rule,”” he said.
He said, his government is committed to supporting and strengthening the UTG in order to augment their contribution towards establishing a viable and flourishing nation built on a new model of democracy and good governance.
He pointed out that in The Gambia, the need is quite urgent for policy makers to engage academics, and benefit from their practice and knowledge to ensure that we embed their expertise into policy formulation processes and implementation for optimum performance and results.
According to him, for this reason academic freedom or the independence of The University of The Gambia will be safeguarded to enhance empirical research and unbiased learning and teaching processes, which are central to the mandate of all institutions of higher learning.
However, as a segment of society and, similarly, a reflection of it, universities should complement Government efforts by organising regular conferences, workshops and seminars at national and international levels, he said.
He also said their programmes or courses have to be functional and responsive to societal needs and compliance with best practices and engagement of experts for academic and material benefits should be paramount.
On the issues of human rights, good governance and transparency, President Barrow said his government will continue to allow other institutions on Human Rights, such as the Ombudsman, the National Human Rights Commission, the Labour Unions, the Courts and litigation offices to perform their duties according to their mandates.