UTG Turns out 172 More Graduates

The University of The Gambia (UTG), The Gambia’s first ever university, on Saturday held the 4th Convocation ceremony for 172 graduates, nine years after the establishment of the institution. The latest degree conferment brings to 649 the total number of graduates since its establishment.

The historic occasion, which is the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice on the part of students, parents and staff of The University of The Gambia, witnessed the conferment of bachelors degrees to 172 students who graduated from the Departments of Economic and Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Agriculture, Public and Environmental Health, Nursing and Reproductive Health, Education, Arts, Language and Humanities.

This, many believe, coupled with the introduction of a number of new programs in ICT and Law, is an indication of government’s unwavering and steadfast commitment to develop and consolidate higher education in the country.

Speaking at the fourth convocation ceremony held at the Independence Stadium last Saturday, President Jammeh, the Chancellor of University of The Gambia, underlined the need for Gambians to work together in consolidating the growth and development of the University. “We must work together and sacrifice. Being a university graduate does not mean that you cannot be a farmer. We don’t want experts that live in air-conditioned rooms or drive air-conditioned four-wheel drives, drinking coffee and not working. We want graduates that will sweat and work to make this country a better country,” President Jammeh said, adding that with this in place, the sky is the limit for the development of the country.

In President Jammeh’s view, the occasion is an opportunity for all Gambians both home and abroad to rededicate themselves to the collective task of strengthening this national institute of higher learning and by extension the development of The Gambia.

“The UTG is central to the country’s development aspirations and therefore my government will not relent in its effort in ensuring its growth and sustainability,” the Gambian leader noted.

Meanwhile, the overall best student award of D42, 000 and a laptop went to AbdouKadir Ceesay while various prices were also awarded to outstanding students.