The Ministry of Transport,Works and Infrastructure and key sponsors have, on Thursday, 15th August 2024, welcomed a group of students who recently completed their studies at the Regional Maritime University, Accra, Ghana in various fields of engineering.
Speaking to the press Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mariama Fofana, said the ten government sponsored students graduated with Distinction and all on are the Dean’s list.This, she added, underscores their exceptional commitment to academic excellence.
“These students made history in Ghana, they raised the Gambian flag high with their remarkable academic performance as Gambian students,” she alluded.
She further explained that some of these students performed exceptional well and were recognised as best students in their respective fields for which they received prestigious awards. Notably, Kebba Kah in BSc Mechanical Engineering, Assan Cham in BSc Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and Yusuf Saho in BSc Computer Engineering.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mariama Fofana at the MOWTI, expressed gratitude to the His Excellency, the President for launching such an initiative in January 2021. This she further highlighted is a clear manifestation of HE’s commitment to ensure that the young people are well trained and prepared for the development process as future leaders.
She further thanked the sponsors/funding institutions of this scholarship such as the GPA, GMA, GIA, NRA, MOPE/Petroleum Commission, NAWEC and GCAA, noting that this would not have been possible without their commitments and timely contributions. Also to the key stakeholders mainly the MOHERST and PMO who are responsible for the selection process and the provision of policy advices on scholarship related matters respectively as well as the Central Bank for the timely disbursements of tuition fees and stipend of the students which as a result contributed greatly to the performance of the students.
She advised the young graduates to continue the commitment they are known for and urged them to be disciplined as they world of studies and that of the work environment are different. Adding that with discipline and team work she said they can achieve great things for the Gambia.
The Managing Director, Gambia International Airlines, Mr Numo Sanneh was delighted to be part of this scheme and said the sector has a skill gap and that these graduates will contribute greatly to complement the sectoral efforts in achieving the objectives of National Development Plan.
“These are all STEM graduates who will be absorbed by various sectors. I believe with their outstanding performance, they will be of great value to the country,” he said.
Mr Sanneh thanked the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure for coming up with such an initiative. He said his office is committed to support capacity building initiatives such as this.
