Banjul, 24th February 2025: The University of The Gambia’s (UTG) School of Information Technology and Communication (ITC) has successfully organised orientation for new intake.
Held at the University’s School of ITC Faraba campus, the event was attended by key faculty members, administrative staff, and student leaders who provided essential guidance to the incoming students. Among the distinguished attendees were the School Dean, Dr. Hydara; the Head of Department (HOD), Dr.Ceesay; Faculty Officer, Mr. Jahateh; as well as other faculty members and representatives from the Information Technology and Communication Association (ITCA).
The School of ITC offers three main areas of concentration: Computer Science, Information Systems, and Telecommunication. During the orientation, faculty members provided an in-depth overview of these disciplines, highlighting their importance in the modern technological landscape, and explaining the career paths available to students in each field.
In his opening remarks, Dr Hydara welcomed the new students and emphasised the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. He encouraged them to be proactive in their studies and to take advantage of the numerous learning opportunities available at UTG.
Following the Dean’s address, HOD Dr. Ceesay outlined the academic expectations and curriculum structure for the students, advising them on how to successfully navigate their respective programmes. He emphasised the need for discipline, time management, and engagement with faculty and student organisations; such as ITCA, to enhance their learning experience.
Faculty Officer Mr. Jahateh provided administrative guidance, including details on registration, course selection, and available academic resources. He urged students to seek academic and career support from faculty members and the administration whenever necessary.
The Information Technology and Communication Association, the official student body for ITC students, also played a key role in the orientation. ITCA representatives welcomed the new intake and introduced them to the organisation’s objectives, which include fostering student engagement, organising tech-related events, and facilitating mentorship programmes. They assured students of ITCA’s readiness to support them throughout their academic journey.
ITCA President Modou Lamin Jagne encouraged students to actively participate in extracurricular activities, tech competitions, and research projects to enhance their practical skills and broaden their knowledge. He also emphasized the importance of mentorship programs, internship opportunities, and seminars that will be available to students as they progress in their studies.
“The IT industry is rapidly evolving, and we encourage you to not only focus on theoretical knowledge but also actively engage in hands-on projects and research,” Mr Jagne advised.
The orientation ended with an interactive session where students had the opportunity to ask questions and express their expectations for the programme. Many of the incoming students voiced their excitement about joining UTG’s ITC School, expressing enthusiasm about the wealth of knowledge and opportunities that await them.
The University of The Gambia’s School of ITC continues to strengthen its reputation as a hub for technology education in The Gambia, producing skilled graduates who contribute to the advancement of the country’s digital economy. With this new cohort of students, the faculty looks forward to furthering its mission of academic excellence and technological innovation.
The orientation marked the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the students, who are now well-equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed in their respective fields.
By Ousman Jallow
