By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Her Excellency Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, has called on students at the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), Mansa Konko Annex, to remain focused on their studies and show gratitude for the significant public investments made in their education infrastructure.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony of an 80-bed dormitory building to the Government of The Gambia on Wednesday, Vice President Tchintchibidja emphasized the importance of valuing taxpayers’ money from ECOWAS member states and Germany, which funded the facility along with equipment and tools.
“We at ECOWAS are funding this project with taxpayers’ money from ECOWAS citizens, and that’s what we are contributing, and that is what you are enjoying today,” she said. “German Cooperation is putting their money in from the taxpayers’ money from their own country, and that is what you are also benefiting from today.”
She urged the students to remember the sacrifices made on their behalf: “For every time you are utilising these premises and equipment provided to you, remember those who have made the sacrifice for you to be here… You are not the only young student we have from the region; millions and millions of students wish they had the same opportunity that you have today.”
The Vice President described education as the best investment in the students’ future, one that should not be taken lightly. She encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity provided by the ECOWAS community and German partners, while showing maximum respect to their teachers, whom she described as now part of their extended family.
The ceremony formed part of a broader handover of projects funded through the ECOWAS Regional Stabilisation and Development Fund (RSDF), supported by German cooperation. The initiatives, valued at over €21.5 million, include the 80-bed dormitory at Mansa Konko Annex and a 40-bed dormitory at the Julangel Annex Campus, as well as four fish smoking facilities at Brufut and Old Jeshwang, a Food Processing Center at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, and grants for community-based organisations and entrepreneurs.
These projects aim to boost youth employability, skills development, and economic resilience in The Gambia.
Christoph Rauh, Director of Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), reaffirmed Germany’s ongoing commitment to supporting education, youth empowerment, and women’s initiatives in The Gambia. He called on students to acquire meaningful life skills that would shape their future careers and expressed appreciation to the Gambian Government and the ECOWAS Commission for their dedication throughout the project implementation.
Teachers, local authorities, and students who attended the event praised the sponsors’ timely intervention. They noted that the new facilities address critical needs of the university and pledged to utilize them responsibly for the benefit of current and future generations.
The Vice President extended special thanks to the German partners GIZ and KfW for sponsoring the projects, as well as to Gamworks Agency for ensuring timely completion.
This development underscores the strong partnership between ECOWAS, Germany, and The Gambia in investing in human capital and regional stability through practical infrastructure and skills-building initiatives. Officials expressed hope that the students would translate these opportunities into tangible contributions to national and regional development.
