By Nicholas Bass
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology on 24th July 2023 held a renewable consultative and partnership meeting with experts from Turkey and educationists from tertiary institutes to strengthen the educational sectors of the country.
Addressing the gathering at Coco Ocean Hotel in Bijilo, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon Prof. Pierre Gomez said his Ministry with the Turkey counterpart has established a technical committee that will identify critical areas of intervention. And they will develop a plan of action in providing scholarships, capacity development, Scientifictechnology, and innovations through T.V.E.T in partnership with the Turkish Government.
He disclosed that there is an urgent need for support to improve quality teaching and learning, especially in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (T.V.E.T) centers to enhance the promotion and utilization of research, innovation, and developmental activities in acquiring modern tools and competencies in the country.
The Minister explained that his Ministry partnering with Turkey (Turkiye) will improve the number of scholarships in relevant national developmental areas in strengthening TV.E.T and general educational post-secondary institutions that will also promote research and entrepreneurship through industrial collaboration and productive development in creating employment abilities for sound socio-economic development.
However, he emphasized that the educational sector’s blueprints recognize from 2016-2030 are with the drive of making education a pathway for children to specialize in general education or technical educational careers that will create a transition from one level to another.
The executive board member of Turkey Higher Educational Council, Prof. Dr. Naci Gundogan affirmed that the president of Turkey will continue to support Adama Barrow’s Government.
He noted that he has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology since 2016 aimed at organizing academic and scientific exchanges between Higher Education and his institutes in fostering a functional and productive educational system.
Professor Gundogan, therefore, challenged educationists to tap into the partnership, because education is a strong bridge that connects countries in the modern world.
“I believe that the Gambia and Turkey (Turkiye) have a strong bond” to strengthen this partnership.
He pointed out that 308 Gambian students are currently studying in various fields in Turkey but most of them are in the School of Social Sciences at various Universities in Turkey.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr. Yusupha Touray, said the forum was aimed at conducting a thorough review of tertiary institutes and secondary educational sectors to bring solutions in upgrading the country’s educational sector.
