By Aminata Sanneh
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MoTWI) and key sponsors, on Thursday, 15th August 2024, welcomed a group of students who recently completed their studies at the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Accra, Ghana, in various fields of engineering.
Speaking to the press, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mariama Fofana, said the 10 government-sponsored students graduated with distinction and are on 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 performances,” she alluded.
She further explained that some students performed exceptionally well and were recognised as the best-graduating students in their respective fields for which they received prestigious awards.
The DPS expressed gratitude to His Excellency the President for launching such an initiative in January 2021, noting that this is a clear manifestation of his commitment to ensuring that young people are well-trained and prepared for the development process as future leaders.
She thanked the GPA, GMA, GIA, NRA, MOPE/Petroleum Commission, and GCAA for funding the scholarship of these students.
Madam Fofana equally expressed gratitude to the key stakeholders; mainly MoHERST and PMO, who are responsible for the selection process and the provision of policy advice 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.
The Managing Director of Gambia International Airlines, Mr. Numo Sanneh said the sector has a skill gap and that these graduates will contribute greatly to complement the sectoral efforts in achieving the objectives of the 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.