Hadigala International College held its 3rd Convocation Ceremony on Thursday at Pencha Mi Hall, Paradise Suites Hotel, graduating a new cohort of Community Health Nurses while honoring individuals and organizations for outstanding academic, professional, and institutional contributions.
The event drew officials from the health and education sectors, members of the academic community, healthcare professionals, parents, guests, and the graduating students.
Key speakers included Dr. Hagie K.T. Drammeh, President and Founder of Hadigala International College; Mr. Omar Barrow, Deputy Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services; Mr. Alasana Darboe, Deputy Registrar of the Gambia Nurses and Midwives Council; and Hon. Lawyer Essa Mbye Faal.
Dr. Drammeh reflected on the college’s growth and its role in strengthening professional training within the health sector. He congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, integrity and service as they begin their careers.
Mr. Omar Barrow, Deputy Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, spoke on the realities of healthcare practice, stressing compassion, professionalism and dedication in patient care. He called on the new nurses to remain steadfast in serving their communities.
Mr. Alasana Darboe, Deputy Registrar of the Gambia Nurses and Midwives Council, focused on professional standards and regulatory duties. He reminded graduates that their qualifications come with the responsibility to observe the ethical and professional codes that govern healthcare practice.
A highlight of the ceremony was Hon. Lawyer Essa Mbye Faal’s presentation on Medical-Legal Ethics. He explored professional accountability, patients’ rights, confidentiality, informed consent and ethical decision-making. Lawyer Faal emphasized that healthcare practitioners must balance clinical competence with a clear understanding of their legal and ethical obligations.
Academic excellence was also recognized. Hulay York was honored for achieving the highest CGPA among the Community Health Nursing March 2023 Intake, standing out as the cohort’s top academic performer.
Awards were presented for broader contributions.
Jim Jobe received the Staff of the Year Award 2025 for his dedicated service to the institution. Whats-On Gambia was given the Outstanding Media Award 2025 for its engagement and coverage, while Kemeseng Sanneh, popularly known as Kexx, earned the Legal Reporting Award 2025 for his work in legal journalism. The ceremony also recognized additional individuals and organizations for their support and achievements.
The formal presentation of certificates to the Community Health Nurses marked the high point of the ceremony, confirming their transition from students to qualified healthcare professionals.
The 3rd Convocation celebrated academic success while reinforcing the professional, ethical and legal standards expected of healthcare practitioners. Through the graduation of this new cohort, Hadigala International College reaffirmed its commitment to training skilled professionals who will contribute to quality healthcare delivery and the continued development of The Gambia’s health sector.
