Delegation from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) on Tuesday 6th September 2022, visited Senior Management Officials of The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.
Discussions were centered on funding towards the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET). According to the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Gomez, there is need to produce engineers and technocrats who will take charge of developmental issues in The Gambia. Prof. Gomez went on to add that the best way to respond to developmental crises such as the irregular migration of our youth is through higher education. Thus, the Ministry is optimistic that the New USET will provide young people with entrepreneurial skills for development.
The Permanent Secretary of MoHERST, Dr. Yusupha Touray gave an update on construction plans for Phase 1 of the USET campus project of which, the foundation stone was recently laid by His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia. Dr. Touray informed the delegates that World Bank is funding the construction of the first phase which will house three main engineering departments. These include, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
However, funding is needed for the construction of Phase 2 of the project which will house additional faculties such as; Faculties of Petroleum and Gas, Architecture and Design, Computer Science; coupled with an Administrative Block, Library, others. Thus, the Ministry of Higher Education solicited the support of Qatar Fund for Development for the construction of Phase 2 of the new USET Campus in Brikama. A presentation of the master plan was done by Fenta Consultant Architects who are tasked to design the project masterplan.
The Development Finance Director and Adviser to the Director General of QFFD, Waleid Ismail commended MoHERST for the work done towards developing tertiary and higher education in The Gambia. They recommended that the Ministry to send the full proposal including aspects of sustainability of the USET project which will be further reviewed. MoHERST has already developed a proposal and will share with the Qatar Delegates before their departure.
