The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez, today delivered a keynote address at the National Stakeholder Engagement and Requirements Gathering Workshop for the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund (THET Fund) under the theme, “Co-Creating Workforce-Ready Graduates for The Gambia.”
In his address, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to advancing tertiary and higher education as a cornerstone of national development, in alignment with the YIRIWA National Development Plan and the broader human capital development agenda under the leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow.
The Minister emphasized that producing workforce-ready graduates requires more than curriculum reform; it demands sustained investment in modern infrastructure, digital learning environments, research facilities, and inclusive campuses that support practical, industry-aligned training. He further highlighted the importance of equitable access, particularly for students in rural and underserved communities, women and girls pursuing STEM disciplines, and persons with disabilities.
The THET Fund is expected to serve as a strategic financing mechanism to strengthen institutional capacity, address priority skills gaps, enhance employability, and deepen alignment between education and labour market demands.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, development partners, civil society, and student representatives to exchange insights, identify institutional and workforce needs, and contribute to the design and operationalisation of the Fund.
MOHERST remains committed to fostering inclusive partnerships and ensuring that the tertiary and higher education sector produces competent, innovative, and workforce-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to national growth and resilience.
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