President Adama Barrow today inaugurated the new University of The Gambia (UTG) Governing Council at a ceremony held at the State House in Banjul. He tasked the new Council to transform the UTG into a national institution dedicated to the nation's social, economic and cultural development.

President Barrow stated that the University of The Gambia has the privilege to spearhead developing the country's human capital. He encouraged the Council to reevaluate the university's curriculum to align with the country's development needs.

Emphasising the importance of Human Resource Development, President Barrow said that the growth of the country's capacity lies in the effective use of its human capital.  He prioritises human resource development, saying that "The quality of a nation's human resource sets the basis to preserve life, maintain peace and ensure inter-generational links, cohesion and continuity." He tasked the Council to appoint a Vice-Chancellor by the end of October and sign performance contracts for all the deans to ensure quality performance and delivery.

As the Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, President Barrow renewed his support to the Governing Council and the UTG as they work towards attaining the National development objectives. 

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honourable Badara Joof, said meaningful development could only happen in a country with the presence of institutions of higher learning. He advised that the UTG should not play second fiddle to any institution of higher education in the country.

Mathew P. Ndure, the Chair of the UTG Governing Council, thanked President Barrow for appointing them to the Council. The new Governing Council includes three new members, Dr Maimuna Mendy, Imam Baba Leigh and Governor Lamin Sanneh of the West Coast Region.