As 12 certified After Completing ENAAMS Scholarship Programme
by Mariatou Ngum
Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE), Mr Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof has commended the ECOWAS Commission for its continued efforts to strengthen regional partnerships to enhance the prosperity of its Member States, and its continuous investment in Human Capital Development ensuring industry relevance and creating employment opportunities for young graduates.
Minister Joof made this remark Wednesday at the Ministry’s ground during the presentation of certificates marking the end of a 12-month programme of the ECOWAS Nnamdi AzikiweAcademic Mobility Scheme (ENAAMS), a scholarship programme funded by the ECOWAS Commission through its Department of Human Development and Social Affairs.
The ECOWAS Nnamdi Azikiwe Academic Mobility Scheme (ENAAMS) is a result of the new vision 2050 that the ECOWAS has adopted, which aims for a fully integrated community of people, living in a peaceful and prosperous region, with strong institutions, upholding fundamental freedoms and rights, working towards inclusive and sustainable development. This goal necessitates increased programme efficiency and human capital investment for sustainable development.
According to Minister Joof, this initiative by the ECOWAS Commission further complements the efforts of the Government of The Gambia in encouraging young graduates and students in the area of Technical and Vocational Training Programmes(TVET) as a way to strengthen their capacity and increase employability among the youths, and the experience of graduates seeking employment opportunities.
He stated that the youths are at the forefront of Gambia’s development agenda and to leverage and maximize potential, the Gambia is developing a National Human Capital development strategy in line with the ECOWAS regional Human Capital Development strategy and a National Employment Policy document.
These strategic documents, he said, can help in harnessing youth’s talents, through the provision of affordable access to education and skills training, as well as the creation of employment opportunities that provide decent salaries and working conditions to further motivate and retain young talent.
Ndeye Tabara Touray, the director of Regional Integration at MoTIE and head of the ECOWAS National Office in The Gambia revealed that the programme has supported 12 students, six final-year students who have completed their programme, and six graduates who are attached to industries related to their field of study to gain more practical experience.
According to her, the scholarship programme was merit-based and was conducted with support from the National Coordinating Committee which provided them with the necessary data, and the Department of Education, Science, and Culture of the ECOWAS Commission, who made the final selection and approval.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Elizabeth Armando, expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission, and the Government of The Gambia through the MoTIE for the life-changing opportunity that they have received.
