On Saturday, 25th February 2023, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology’s line institute, that is the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), in partnership with De Montfort University in Leicester, UK organized a day-long Quality Assurance Conference & Workshop for senior management officials of USET and MoHERST.
De Montfort University is currently mentoring USET in its innovation, entrepreneurship and quality assurance components. Thus, this workshop is part of DMU's contract for providing quality assurance systems in the new University of Applied Science Engineering and Technology (USET).
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of MoHERST, Dr Yusupha Touray underlined the significance of quality assurance, especially in the Tertiary and Higher Education Systems.
"What we are trying to do as a country is to bring together curriculum and entrepreneurship. We want a centre of excellence the world will look to. We have to do it right," said Dr Touray, adding that "anything that can help us to do it right, we have to support that process".
Edward Mansal, the Director of USET, welcomed all participants to the workshop and highlighted that the meeting will grant an opportunity for the Senior Management Staff of USET to look at some of the issues confronting the new University in terms of quality assurance.
"I am glad that we are being mentored by De Montfort University in the UK. It is time now we have a firm footing on quality assurance so we can move forward," said Director Mansal.
Professor Samuel Ofori, Senior University Consultant of USET also highlighted that the workshop is very timely and relevant especially as the former Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) is transformed into the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology.
At the Quality Assurance workshop, Momodou Sallah, Professor and Director of the Centre of Academic Innovation at De Montfort University introduced the consultant for Quality Assurance, Dr Anne Harbisher, who gave a presentation on the subject. She informed that USET has the potential of achieving international standards. However, for this to come to fruition, there is a need to put in the work.
She went on to underline key findings and recommendations on how to improve student experiences, as well as how to have it improve quality assurance parameters such as in terms of policy process developments, learning resources, health and safety, digitalization, staff development, design, approval, and monitoring of courses.
