By Aja Beyai
The University of The Gambia (UTG) celebrated a historic milestone on Saturday, hosting its 17th graduation ceremony at its vibrant Faraba campus. The event saw 1,228 students awarded degrees across diverse disciplines, poised to drive progress in The Gambia and beyond. The ceremony’s blend of academic pride and cultural festivity underscored UTG’s enduring commitment to shaping the nation’s future through education.
The occasion was graced by His Excellency President Adama Barrow, who delivered a stirring keynote address. President Barrow emphasized the transformative power of education and the pivotal role graduates play in national development. “The benefits of education are boundless, and you, the architects of Gambia’s future, hold the key to unlocking our potential,” he said. “Let your bright ambitions radiate, illuminating the world around us.” His words resonated with the graduates, who see their degrees as a gateway to addressing The Gambia’s socio-economic challenges.
Professor Herbert Robbonsin, UTG’s Vice Chancellor, echoed the President’s sentiments, highlighting the university’s dedication to academic excellence and workforce readiness. “We gather here to celebrate academic excellence while empowering our nation’s youth for enhanced employability,” he stated. As Chancellor, Professor Robbonsin reaffirmed his commitment to aligning UTG’s programs with The Gambia’s national goals. “I am committed to transforming our tertiary institutions to reflect our aspirations for a brighter future,” he added, outlining plans to enhance curricula and facilities to meet global standards.
Dr. Mustapha Fannah, Chairperson of the Governing Council, provided a reflective overview of UTG’s 25-year journey. “Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone—25 years of transformative, nation-building championing of change,” he declared. He noted the diversity of the graduating class, which included 699 male and 529 female graduates, each equipped to contribute uniquely to society. “These graduates are poised to make their mark on the world, carrying forward the values of innovation and service instilled at UTG,” Dr. Fannah said. The gender balance in the cohort was hailed as a step toward inclusivity, with female graduates lauded for their resilience and academic prowess.
The ceremony was a moment of academic recognition and a cultural celebration. The University of The Gambia Choir delivered a captivating performance, their harmonious voices blending with the rhythmic accompaniment of the Gambia Police Band. The vibrant display added a festive air to the proceedings, drawing applause from the thousands of attendees, including proud families, faculty, and dignitaries.
Graduates expressed excitement and determination as they embarked on their following chapters. Fatou Camara, a graduate in Public Health, shared her aspirations: “This degree is more than a certificate; it’s a responsibility to improve healthcare access in rural Gambia.” Similarly, Lamin Jobe, who earned a degree in Computer Science, aims to develop tech solutions for local businesses. “UTG has given me the tools to innovate and contribute to the digital Gambia,” he said.
The 25th graduation ceremony underscored UTG’s role as a cornerstone of The Gambia’s educational landscape. Since its inception, the university has produced thousands of professionals who have bolstered the education, healthcare, and governance sectors. With its diverse skill set, this year’s cohort is expected to further accelerate national development, particularly in areas aligned with The Gambia’s National Development Plan (2023-2027).
As the event concluded, the atmosphere was one of optimism and pride. The University of The Gambia, through its 25 years of service, has solidified its legacy as a beacon of hope and progress. With 1,228 new graduates ready to shape the future, UTG upholds its mission of fostering academic excellence and societal transformation, ensuring The Gambia’s youth remain at the forefront of nation-building.
