By Mama A. Touray
University of the Gambia students’ Union (UTGSU) president Kemo Conteh has received a prestigious leadership award from Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) in Freetown Town, Sierra Leone, West Africa.
President Conteh received this prestigious award when he attended a two-day student dialogue convergence held at Milton Margai Technical University from 14-15th November 2023.
Speaking at the event as a keynote speaker on the topic “Student Leadership as an Epitome of Africa’s Development”, Kemounderscored the need for vibrant, committed, action-oriented, and result-driven leadership based on decent politics that can inspire national politics and eventually lead to continental development.
The progress of Africa, as he stated also depends on its youth, and that university students have a lot to contribute for the prosperity of all.
“Universities across the world should serve as labs to diagnose the political, economic, social, cultural, and metaphysical problems in the world and proffer lasting solutions to these quagmires. If Universities failed in this responsibility, they will be mire architectural layouts and fit for no purpose” Kemo said.
Conteh encouraged the student leaders of MMTU to create cordial relationships with the university authorities without compromising the collective welfare and interests of the general students. And to also innovate students-led projects to acquire the required resources for students for their felt needs.
President Kemo Conteh stated that under his leadership, the university of the Gambia Students’ Union has introduced so many life-changing innovations for the students of the university of the Gambia, such as the first ever Hardship Fund Account that paid 40% of the semester fee for over 40 students of UTG.
He added that under his leadership he has with various institutions such as the University Relations Office and the NYSS for the initiation and Launching of the first-ever National Graduate Service Program and responding to climate changes which he said led to the planting of over 13,000 trees across the country.
“For the development of the African continent, we must be willing to be selfless leaders in our respective jurisdictions that will systematically and indelibly improve the lives and livelihoods of our people. Also, this will bridge the gaps of our education system in terms of the theory and practice gap” President Conteh reminded his counterparts.
On behalf MMTU Retired Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella(KKY) current Chairman of the President’s Initiative on Climate Change presented the historic award to UTG SU Prexy as recognition of his exemplary leadership style, track record and other achievements within and outside The Gambia.