State House, Banjul, 16th June 2026:His Excellency President Adama Barrow today received the Vice Chancellor of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), Professor Nazimat T. Surajudeen-Bakinde and her delegation during a courtesy visit to the State House in Banjul.

The meeting was held to update the President on preparations for USET’s second Convocation Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, 20th June 2026. President Barrow commended the progress made, emphasising the need to close the national skills gap and expand opportunities for Gambian youth and women through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. He thanked the Government of Nigeria for its continued collaboration in achieving this milestone. Vice Chancellor Surajudeen-Bakinde reported that USET will graduate a total of 951 students including 36 from the College of Science and Engineering, 668 from the Institute of Technology, and 247 from the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She noted that the graduates are equipped to drive industrial growth and support The Gambia’s socio-economic development. The visit reaffirms The Gambia’s commitment to advancing technical and vocational education as a cornerstone for youth empowerment, skills development, and national progress.

The delegation was accompanied by Hon. Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology