By Alieu Ceesay
Alassan Sowe, Program Officer at Gambia Participate, a prominent non-governmental organization, has called on institutions across the Gambia to increase their investment in research to drive national development significantly. Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day capacity-building training for researchers at Bakadage Hotel, Sowe emphasized research’s pivotal role in addressing institutional gaps and fostering growth.
“Increasing investment in research is essential for growth,” Sowe declared. “I encourage universities, research institutions, and all organizations involved in research to prioritize capacity-building training for their staff, particularly within their programs and research departments. Research is a fundamental component of any thriving department.”
The training, organized by Gambia Participate, aimed to equip young researchers with critical skills, including avoiding the pitfalls of false data and maintaining integrity in scholarly publications. Sowe urged the University of The Gambia (UTG) and other research bodies to allocate more funding to research initiatives, stressing the need to inspire students to research and produce scholarly papers. “University professors can serve as valuable mentors to emerging researchers, guiding them in the important endeavor of book writing, which significantly contributes to national development,” he added.
Sowe’s remarks come as The Gambia seeks to strengthen its academic and institutional frameworks to address developmental challenges. He believes that by fostering a culture of research, institutions can bridge gaps in knowledge and innovation, ultimately contributing to the country’s socio-economic progress.
Participants in the training expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to enhance their skills. Aji Fatou S. Samba, a researcher from UTG, shared her goals for the program: “I am eager to improve my knowledge in areas such as media authentication and data privacy. I aim to expand my understanding of research methodologies.” Her sentiments reflect a growing interest among young Gambians in advancing their research capabilities to contribute meaningfully to academia and society.
Gambia Participate underscored the importance of researchers adhering to ethical standards, urging participants to embrace objectivity and honesty in data collection. The organization hopes the training will instill these guiding principles, ensuring that research conducted in The Gambia meets global standards of integrity and reliability.
The call for increased research investment aligns with broader efforts to strengthen The Gambia’s educational and developmental landscape. Experts argue that robust research programs can drive evidence-based policymaking, improve public services, and address pressing challenges such as poverty, healthcare, and education. However, limited funding and resources have historically constrained research efforts in the country, making Sowe’s advocacy timely and critical.
Gambia Participates’ training initiative marks a step toward this goal, with hopes that more institutions will heed the call to action and invest in the future of research for the nation’s benefit.
