20TH JUNE 2026
The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology,
Other Cabinet Ministers Present,
Honourable Members of the National Assembly,
Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps,
Chairman and Members of the Governing Council of USET,
The Vice-Chancellor of USET and other Vice-Chancellors Present,
Members of the Senate, Faculty, and Staff of USET,
The Governor of the West Coast Region,
Venerable Religious Leaders,
Eminent Scholars,
Chiefs and Alkalolu,
Graduands and Students,
Parents, Guardians, and Well-wishers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As President of our dear homeland and Chancellor of The Gambia University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), it is my profound honour and privilege to preside over the Second Convocation Ceremony of this rapidly growing university. The occasion marks yet another milestone in its impressive growth and development, following its maiden convocation last year.
Before proceeding, I must acknowledge the prominence of the distinguished scholars, esteemed guests, and honoured personalities in the gathering. Their presence reflects our shared commitment to the advancement of higher education in The Gambia, which we deeply appreciate.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This convocation ceremony provides another opportunity to honour academic excellence, appreciate the transformative power of education, and reaffirm our collective hope for a brighter and more prosperous future for The Gambia.
With this realisation, I heartily congratulate you, the Graduating Class of 2025, on this important milestone, achieved through hard work, determination, and resilience. The nation is proud of you.
Your families, the University, and all those who supported your success similarly deserve a pat on the back. Today’s ceremony embodies a collective accomplishment, so we celebrate every one of you.
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The university has coined “Innovating for Impact: Science, Skills and Sustainable Development” as the theme for the occasion. It compels deep reflection and calls for informed action.
The purpose of education, the transformative power of knowledge, and our shared responsibility in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future are topical issues for academics and non-academics alike. For us in government, discourses on such issues are far beyond mere intellectual exercises. They speak to the core values and objectives of our national development blueprint, Yiriwa.
We live in a rapidly evolving world, shaped by scientific advancements and technological progress. From engineering breakthroughs and medical discoveries to digital transformation and artificial intelligence, science and technology continue to redefine how we live, work, communicate, and address challenges.
The true value of science, however, lies not only in discovery, but in its crucial ability to improve lives, strengthen communities, create opportunities, and safeguard our environment.
Distinguished Personalities,
Graduands,
My government established USET to act decisively on these developmental considerations and the aspirations of our nation.
The Gambia has coastlines of strategic value, growing road networks, expanding industries, and an agricultural sector of enormous potential. These are the opportunities that USET graduates are equipped to transform into lasting national assets.
As The Gambia’s primary institution dedicated to applied sciences, engineering, and technology, USET enjoys a strategic position to contribute significantly to the socio-economic transformation and progress of the nation.
USET was not established simply to produce graduates. It was established to produce the right graduates, engineers who can design drainage systems for West African conditions, optimise renewable energy installations, and maintain the machinery our industries depend on. Without such engineers, our national aspirations will remain plans on paper.
Science, technology, and innovation are indispensable to achieving sustainable national development. The future of our country, therefore, depends on our ability to produce skilled professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs capable of addressing emerging national and global challenges.
This defines the relevance of our graduands. Following this graduation ceremony, they will begin another phase of their life journeys, which requires far more than academic qualifications.
Today’s world cherishes and honours innovators, critical thinkers, and visionary agents of economic transformation and social change more than unproductive bookworms. It puts emphasis on the application of talent, skills, and knowledge to address pressing challenges, such as climate change, food insecurity, unemployment, public health concerns, energy access, and environmental sustainability.
This complex responsibility makes practical competence, creativity, and the courage to think differently indispensable. We established USET on these very foundations.
While university training equips students with technical knowledge and professional competencies, how effectively degree holders apply their knowledge and skills to improve society and play a decisive role in national development ultimately determines their real worth.
I encourage the graduands to embrace critical thinking and innovation, collaboration, adaptability, and digital literacy as essential tools for success in this increasingly dynamic and competitive global environment.
Distinguished Personalities,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Academics argue convincingly that innovation bridges science and skills for productivity, as it transforms ideas into practical solutions that create meaningful impact. Indeed, even laypersons would agree that innovation drives prosperity, strengthens partnerships, promotes peace, and advances sustainable development.
I urge the graduands, therefore, to leverage the knowledge and skills acquired from USET to develop innovative solutions that improve the lives of our people for sustained national progress.
I am particularly pleased that USET now possesses modern laboratories and learning facilities designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and job creation.
The Sustainable Development Goals remind us that progress must never come at the expense of future generations. We must balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion. As we continue striving to create opportunities for all Gambians, this approach remains a central policy direction of my government.
I challenge the graduands to be inspirational ambassadors of USET and dependable architects of hope for a new and prosperous Gambia.
My government remains fully committed to making tertiary and higher education more accessible, relevant, inclusive, and responsive to national needs.
Initiatives, such as the Student Revolving Loan Scheme, the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund, and the National Research and Innovation Fund, reflect this commitment. The objective in each case is to strengthen human capital formation and institutional capacity in all sectors of development.
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Although the full impact of investments in science, technology, and innovation may take time to materialise, I am delighted to note that USET is already demonstrating encouraging progress. Students and researchers are developing practical solutions that support local communities, industries, and institutions to improve productivity and efficiency.
Distinguished Personalities,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is reassuring that USET has placed innovation and entrepreneurship at the core of its mission to enhance graduate employability and job creation.
In this regard, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, my government will continue to expand opportunities for Gambian citizens to realise their full potential and contribute productively to society.
I direct the Ministry, the Governing Council, and the Management of USET to accelerate the implementation of USET Phase II. This includes the establishment of the College of Energy and Petroleum Engineering, the College of Computer Engineering, and the College of Built Environment.
Each of these colleges addresses a strategic national priority. Their establishment is a binding obligation that my Government intends to honour.
My Government is committed to the Graduate Engineering Deployment Programme, placing newly qualified engineers within public infrastructure projects and utility agencies. Talent developed at USET will be effectively deployed in building this country.
I thank the Governing Council, Management, and the Academic and Administrative Staff of USET for committing to nurturing a new generation of science and technology-oriented professionals and leaders for the country.
Importantly, also, I convey profound gratitude to our development partners, notably the World Bank and the MRC Holland Foundation, for their invaluable support towards the infrastructural development of the University’s Brikama Campus. I charge the graduands to plough back to the nation. Return to this University, mentor the next cohort, if feasible, and partner with USET on applied research, where applicable. This institution must evolve from a teaching establishment into a solutions institution. That transformation depends on the active participation of its alumni.
Eminent Scholars,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to conclude with a few words of counsel for the graduands. The world is similar to a turbulent ocean. Challenges often come with opportunities to learn, grow, innovate, and improve. Remain curious, stay disciplined, continue striving for excellence, and commit yourselves to making a meaningful difference in your communities.
From now on, use science, technology, and innovation in your daily lives and let your skills serve as a driving force in service to your nation. We wish you all a future filled with purpose, innovation, success, and lasting impact.
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your attention and pray that God continues to shower His grace and blessings upon us.
