The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), in collaboration with the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA), today convened a Validation Workshop on the Review of the Tertiary and Higher Education Act 2016 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre (SDKJICC), Bijilo.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from tertiary and higher education institutions, government ministries and agencies, governing councils, faculty representatives, student leaders, alumni, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media to review and validate proposed amendments to the Act.
Officially opening the workshop, the Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, underscored the importance of reviewing the Act to ensure that it remains relevant, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the tertiary and higher education sector.
The Minister noted that the proposed amendments are intended to strengthen governance and management structures within public and private tertiary and higher education institutions while promoting accountability, quality assurance, and academic excellence.
Among the key reforms highlighted are the reaffirmation of the President of the Republic as Chancellor of all public universities, the restructuring of governing councils to enhance inclusivity and expertise, clearer reporting structures for key academic administrators, strengthened academic career pathways, and harmonisation of standards and sanctions with the NAQAA Act 2021.
Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez described the proposed amendments as transformative measures aimed at positioning Gambian tertiary and higher education institutions to effectively respond to national development priorities and the demands of a rapidly changing global knowledge economy.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking, good governance, inclusive and gender-responsive education, and the strengthening of both academic and technical and vocational education pathways.
The Minister called on all stakeholders to actively contribute to the validation process and provide constructive input that will help shape a robust legal framework capable of supporting a stronger, more resilient, and globally competitive tertiary and higher education sector.
He also commended NAQAA for leading the review process and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Justice, tertiary and higher education institutions, development partners, and MoHERST staff for their valuable contributions and support.
The validation workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by MoHERST to strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing tertiary and higher education in The Gambia and to ensure that the sector continues to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved