Gov’t Names Prof. Momodou Sallah as First Head of National Research and Innovation Fund

The Gambia Government has named Professor Momodou Sallah as the inaugural Executive Director of the newly-established National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF).

This new body will be tasked with financing and promoting research, innovation, and development across key sectors, and Prof. Sallah’s appointment was announced by Gambia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST).

The appointment, made by President Adama Barrow, follows the enactment of the National Research and Innovation Fund Act, 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at transforming The Gambia into a knowledge-driven economy.

Professor Sallah, a former Professor of Teaching and Learning and Director of the Centre for Academic Innovation at De Montfort University (DMU) in the United Kingdom, brings more than two decades of experience in academia, leadership, and research management. He is a recipient of the UK National Teaching Fellowship (2013) and Times Higher Education Most Innovative Teacher of the Year Award (2015).

In his new role, Professor Sallah will oversee the day-to-day operations of the fund, providing strategic leadership to support post-secondary education, technical and vocational training (TVET), and research in science and technology.

MoHERST Minister Professor Pierre Gomez described the appointment as “a major step forward” for The Gambia’s innovation agenda. “We are privileged to have a scholar and leader of Professor Sallah’s calibre return home to serve his nation. His experience and vision will help unlock the immense creative potential of Gambian researchers and innovators,” he said.

Professor Sallah expressed gratitude for the appointment, calling it “a transformative opportunity” for national progress. “The establishment of the NRIF marks a turning point for our country,” he said. “I am committed to building a robust and inclusive innovation ecosystem that supports our brightest minds and provides practical solutions to our development challenges,” Prof. Sallah added.

The NRIF, established by the National Assembly earlier this year, is designed to strengthen The Gambia’s research and innovation capacity by providing financial support to researchers, innovators, and small enterprises driving job creation and sustainable development.

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 The Gambia Government has named Professor Momodou Sallah as the inaugural Executive Director of the newly-established National Research and Innovation…
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