The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) today convened a validation workshop on the draft Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Regulations and the draft Gender Equality, Equity and Inclusion Regulations, bringing together representatives from government, academia, civil society, the private sector, and development partners.
Opening the workshop, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez, described the gathering as an important milestone in the transformation of The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education sector.
The workshop focused on two landmark regulatory frameworks developed to support the implementation of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy (2021–2030) and the National Strategy for Increased Female Participation in Tertiary and Higher Education and Decision-Making in The Gambia (2025–2029).
The proposed TVET Regulations provide a framework for the effective coordination, implementation, and development of technical and vocational education in The Gambia. Key provisions include the establishment of a TVET Unit within MoHERST, the creation of a National TVET Committee, strengthened teacher training programmes, curriculum alignment with labour market demands, and enhanced internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
The regulations also seek to promote equity and inclusion by expanding access to education and skills development opportunities for girls, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Similarly, the draft Gender Equality, Equity and Inclusion Regulations aim to institutionalise gender-responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting across tertiary and higher education institutions. The framework proposes the establishment of Gender and Inclusion Units, affirmative action measures to increase female participation in STEM and TVET programmes, mentorship initiatives, gender-sensitive facilities, and financial support mechanisms for women and underrepresented groups.
The Minister underscored the importance of stakeholder ownership and collaboration in ensuring the successful implementation of the regulations. He called for active participation and constructive feedback to strengthen the draft documents before they are submitted for finalisation and enactment.
He reaffirmed MoHERST’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to advance technical and vocational education, promote gender equality and inclusion, and build a more responsive and competitive tertiary and higher education sector.
The validation workshop continues with technical sessions and stakeholder consultations aimed at refining the regulations ahead of their adoption.
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