Aminata Sanneh -Communication Officer, MOTWI
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure and key sponsors have, on Thursday, 15th August 2024, welcomed home a group of students who recently completed their studies at the Regional Maritime University, Accra, Ghana in various engineering fields.
Speaking to the press, Deputy Permanent Secretary at MOTWI, Mariama Fofana, said the ten government-sponsored students graduated with Distinction and all are on the Dean’s list. This, she added, underscores their exceptional commitment to academic excellence.
“These students made history in Ghana, they raised the Gambian flag high with their remarkable academic performance as Gambian students,” she alluded.
She explained that some of these students performed exceptionally well and were recognized as the best students in their respective fields, they received prestigious awards. Notably, Kebba Kah in BSc Mechanical Engineering, Assan Cham in BSc Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and Yusuf Saho in BSc Computer Engineering.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Adama Barrow for launching such an initiative in January 2021, saying it is a clear manifestation of His Excellency’s commitment to ensure that the young people are well-trained and prepared for the development process as future leaders.
She further thanked the sponsors/funding institutions of this scholarship such as the GPA, GMA, GIA, NRA, MOPE/Petroleum Commission, and GCAA, noting that this would not have been possible without their commitments and timely contributions.
Also, she said, to the key stakeholders mainly the MOHERST and PMO who are responsible for the selection process and the provision of policy advice on scholarship-related matters respectively. And also the Central Bank for the timely disbursements of tuition fees and stipends to the students which as a result contributed greatly to their performances.
She advised the young graduates to continue the commitment they are known for and urged them to be disciplined noting that the world of studies and work environment are different “With discipline and teamwork you can achieve great things for the Gambia.”
The Managing Director of Gambia International Airlines, MrNumo Sanneh was delighted to be part of this scheme, saying the sector has a skill gap and these graduates will contribute greatly to complement the sectoral efforts in achieving the objectives of the National Development Plan.
“These are all STEM graduates who will be absorbed by various sectors. I believe with their outstanding performance, they will be of great value to the country,” he attested.
Mr Sanneh thanked the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure for coming up with such an initiative. He said his office is committed to supporting capacity building initiatives such as this.