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Current Feed ContentNusrat, CIB Ghana sign MoU Tuesday, September 02, 2008 In their quest to deliver quality professional training, the Nusrat Management of Accountancy Training Center recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Ghana. Ghana Chartered Institute of Bankers is a professional Institute for banks and financial institutions which aims to provide stimuli for the development of competent and qualified human resource, to enable banks to offer efficient and competitive services to meet modern day sophisticated demand and satisfaction. In an interview with the Daily Observer, John Kemokai, director of Professional Studies at the Nusrat Management of Accountancy Training Center, disclosed that this development came following his trip to Ghana. According to Mr Kemokai, the MoU stipulates that CIB will provide his students with the syllabus and learning materials on banking and finance. “They will also be responsible for the examination, which will require them to send examiners during examination, and they will mark the exam papers and award certificates. We will be responsible for the training,” he explained. Mr Kemokai added that Nusrat Management of Accountancy Training Center would start these courses in September 2008. “Some people are working in the banking sector with university degrees in other programs different from banking and finance so this is an opportunity for them,” he noted. Author: by Asanatou Bojang Examination MalpracticeTuesday, September 02, 2008 Examination malpractice has remained a bane of Gambia’s educational system. No wonder the academic certificate being issued to graduates in The Gambia is not seen as valuable by many foreigners. What then is examination malpractice? This is a situation in which candidates for an exam are given unfair advantage before, during or after the exam, for cheap success. Hence, the sanctity of the exam is broken or violated. Examination malpractice is bad for the nation. In the first place, our graduates cannot stand the test of time. The negative trend can be seen in employees being engaged in jobs they are not suitable for since the certificates they claim to possess are not merited. In addition, seriousness is thrown to the wind. Students have little time for their studies as they attend parties, engage in drug addiction and other untoward behaviours. Furthermore, bribery and corrupt practices accompany examination malpractices. This is so because the cheats offer money to get illicit assistance. In the examination hall, bribes are offered to invigilators and supervisors so cheats can have a field day in the hall. Creativity and resourcefulness are hampered or discouraged in a nation where exam malpractices thrive. The cankerworm named examination malpractice should be stamped out of the country. God help the Gambia to accomplish just this. by Sulayman Jammeh St Peter’s Senior Secondary School Author: by Assan Sallah Two Students Plead Guilty to HomosexualityMonday, September 01, 2008 Two students, 15 and 17 years of age respectively (names withheld) on Thursday 29th August 2008 pleaded guilty to charges of homosexuality. They were arraigned at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court for allegedly having anal intercourse with some peers at the school campus. According to one of the accused, it is the principal of the school who inspired them to carry out such indecent practice on the school campus. The prosecutor, ASP Touray told the court that on 29th July 2008 the principal of the school was arrested on like accusations and is still under investigation by the police. He further told the court that on 5th of August 2008 an identical complaint was received that the two students currently standing trial were engaged on such indecent practice, which led the police to have them arrested. He adduced that under interrogation at the Yundum Police Station, the duo admitted of having anal intercourse with some fellow students. Meanwhile the 15-year-old boy is remanded in custody at the Children’s Wing at Old Jeshwang, while the 17-year-old is held on remand at the State Central Prison (Mile II). The case continues on 11 September 2008 before Magistrate Johny Njie. Author: By Yai Dibba National Union of Gambia Students to Hand Over LeadershipThursday, August 28, 2008 The National Union of Gambia Students will on Saturday August 30th hold its 2nd handing over ceremony of leadership at the Joint Officer’s Mess in Kotu, Youth Forum can confirm. The National Union of Gambia Students is the umbrella body tasked with the responsibility of uniting and defending the interests of students at the tertiary level. Formed in 2005 with a view to inculcating knowledge, discipline and a spirit of hard work among students through collective and conscious means. Saturday’s historic event will begin at 3pm. Author: By Nfamara Jawneh Outgoing UTG Vice Chancellor speaks Thursday, August 28, 2008 Professor Andreas L. Steigen, the outgoing vice-chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UTG), will wrap up his assignment next month, after a thrilling three-year service at the country’s highest institution of learning. Prof Steigen would finally leave Banjul on October 9, with a catalogue of successes and challenges trailing his legacy. It is not yet clear who will replace the Norwegian professor, but this paper has gathered that the position is currently up for grabs. Triumphs Speaking during an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer in his office at the UTG administrative building, yesterday, Prof Steigen declared that his achievements are unprecedented in the history of the UTG, as the institution has successfully trained at least 650 graduates in various fields of study. He disclosed that student enrollment has increased significantly from 400 to over 1,000 students in 2008. He then pointed to recent convincing undertakings by the UTG, which added feathers to his hat. “One major achievement is the fact that many people now speak very positively about the university, which to me speaks volumes of how much the institution is appreciated by the people. We were able to introduce bachelors in accounting through collaboration with the Gambia Treasury. In addition, we have also started a bachelor programme in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), and we are currently running several e-learning projects in masters in information technology thanks to the collaboration of Indian universities that benefit The Gambia,” he said. According to Professor Steigen, the introduction of the access programmes for students without the requirements is another area that has greatly registered achievements. He disclosed that last year, 80 per cent of the students doing English language in the access programme scored credits, adding that 45 per cent of those doing mathematics got credits. “We have also changed some curricula, most notably in the field of agriculture. In this field, the change is based on the ‘back-to-the-land call’, as well as based on how farmers can own businesses when doing agriculture,” he said, adding that special programmes on banking are also being introduced after much demand from the banking industry. Other achievements, he continued, include the recognition of a degree from The Gambia by the best universities in the world, such as Oxford, amongst others. Challenges On the challenges, Prof Steigen bemoaned the low level of enrollment at the UTG when he took over the office three years ago, but noted that this challenge was overcome. According to him, enrolling more young Gambians into the university was one of his major challenges, adding that non-payment of tuition fees by students was another challenge that was overcome. “The fact that the UTG doesn’t have a premises is another challenge, but that challenge is very promising as efforts to build the campus have began,” he said. According to the Norwegian-born professor, it is his wish for the university to have its own campus in the coming years, adding that he wishes to sharpen the profile of the university to a developmental institution that will give chances to young people as well as be sensitive to the needs of the country. Plans Prof Steigen told the Daily Observer that plans are in the pipeline for the introduction of a department of music, dance and drama. He added that he will return to his former university in Norway, where he will serve as a tutor at the department of biology, as well as be involved in some projects. Prof Andreas Steigen then praised President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, the founder and chancellor of the UTG, for creating a conducive environment for the university. “The president was a source of inspiration in my tenure in office,” he said, while lauding the “the strong dedication” of the tutors, which have impacted on the successes of the university. The outgoing VC then expressed hope that his successor will build on his successes and strengthen the collaboration between the UTG and its partners. Author: by Hatab Fadera Ten UTG Students Secure Taiwanese Embassy Scholarship Wednesday, August 27, 2008 The Ambassador of The Republic of China on Taiwan, His Excellency Richard Shih, yesterday presented a cheque amounting to $6000 to the vice-chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UTG). The money is meant for the tuition fees of ten needy UTG students. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, held at the office of the UTG vice-chancellor at the University Administrative Building in Kanifing, Ambassador Shih expressed his pleasure in supporting the country’s education sector. He described the day as also important for him as it’s his first official visit to the UTG since assuming office. He called on UTG administration not to hesitate to contact his office for assistance. “ We are very much appreciative of our relationship with The Gambia and we will do our best to maintain it especially in the area of education”. He used the opportunity to congratulate the previous recipients of embassy scholarships. The Taiwanese diplomat urged the students to make the best use of the numerous opportunities made available to them particularly university education. “Please grab the opportunity to study hard,” he said. He added that the best way to impress one’s sponsor is to achieve good results. For his part, Professor Andreas Steigen, vice chancellor UTG, thanked the Taiwanese government through Ambassador Shih for the kind gesture. He recalled that during the term of the former Taiwanese Ambassador Dr. Patrick Chang UTG built a strong relationship with the embassy and expressed appreciation at seeing the continuity of the ties. “We are very happy and pleased with your support. From the very beginning your country has been supportive to UTG,” he said. He said that the role of UTG is to train candidates for the government and all sectors in the country for the human resources need of the country. Professor Ousman Nyang, assistant vice-chancellor, also applauded the Taiwanese for their continued support to the socio-economic development of The Gambia. Saikou Saidy Jeng, a beneficiary student, praised the Taiwanese embassy for coming to their aid, noting that without their intervention it would be difficult for them to attain a university education. The beneficiaries are: Bakary Manneh, Saikou Saidy Jeng, Fatou Jammeh-Touray, Fallou Saho, Samba Bah, Mama Jaiteh, Mariam Jaye, Fatou Mbye, Babucarr Ceesay and Haddy Jeng. Author: By Nfamara Jawneh Source: Picture: Richard Shih (Taiwanese Ambassador) Scholarships for UTG 10
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Ten needy students of the University of The Gambia (UTG), on Tuesday, received scholarships from the Taiwanese Embassy in Banjul. Richard Shih, the Taiwanese plenipotentiary to Banjul, presented a cheque for US$6,000 to Prof Andreas Steigen, the vice-chancellor of the UTG, for the 2008/2009 academic year, at a presentation ceremony held at the UTG administrative building on MDI Road, Kanifing. According to reports from the UTG, the benefitting students have been selected for exhibiting impressive academic aptitude and diligence in their various pursuits at the UTG. At the ceremony, Ambassador Shih expressed his embassy’s affinity with the UTG, as the scholarship package has now become an annual tradition for the mission in Banjul. For the Taiwanese plenipotentiary, whose face was beaming with delight as he presented the cheque to the vice-chancellor, the gesture is a show of their commitment to the cause of the UTG in producing graduates for the development aspirations of the country. He praised the recipients for their dedication to their courses, which according to him, has earned them the recognition to benefit from the package. He also implored them to continue working hard in a bid to ultimately enjoy the fruits of their diligence. Ambassador Shih used the opportunity to elaborate on the array of opportunities that the UTG could explore, especially in the areas of exchange programmes and internships in Taiwan. This proposal aroused the interest of the UTG officials, who were visibly excited. For his part, Vice-Chancellor Prof Steigen lauded the initiative, acknowledging that what the Taiwanese mission has been doing for the UTG is much more than what they had expected. "We are happy and proud of what you have given us. We trust you and depend on you," Prof Steigen said, noting that the package should not be taken for granted. According to him, the UTG aims to be a development university, where people are trained and armed with the necessary know-how to contribute effectively to the public and the private sectors of the country. Prof Steigen then thanked the Taiwanese Embassy for the scholarships and assured Ambassador Shih of the UTG’s commitment to the shared relationship. Other speakers at the ceremony included the deputy vice-chancellor, Dr Ebrima Nyan and Lamin S Jaiteh, the registrar of the UTG, who chaired the ceremony. At the ceremony, Saikou Jeng, one of the recipients of the scholarship, delivered a vote of thanks. Some senior of officials of the UTG and the Taiwanese Embassy witnessed the ceremony. Author: by Ebrima Jaw Manneh Armitage SSS organises summer classes Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Armitage Senior Secondary School (ASSS) in Janjanbureh recently conducted its annual summer classes at St Thereses Lower Basic School in Kanifing. The Top Class columnist conducted an interview with Isaac Koroma, vice-principal of the school. Isaac Koroma seized the opportunity to expound on the summer classes initiated some years ago. According to him, they started the summer classes in 2003 and their intention was to complete their syllabus and to revise certain materials that they have gone through over the year. He noted that the initiative was beneficial as students performed successfully in the WASSCE examination. Author: by Mariatou Ngum-Saidy Unique Transport eases transport problems Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Weeks after the landmark inauguration of the Unique Transport Service System (UTSCO) by President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, Daily Observer explored the impact of the company on the transport needs of the ordinary people. With a fleet of 31 buses, the company currently covers the busiest routes in urban Gambia, and some parts of the countryside. Along the trans-Gambia highway, it covers as far as Kalaji in Foni, taking off from Brikama in the Western Region. As a matter of fact, Kalaji happens to be the border settlement separating Lower Region from Western Region. The ultimate goal of the transport company, accordingly, is to provide not only affordable but also easy and accessible transportation facilities for every Gambian. The UTSCO is working ardently to reach the length and breadth of the country. On departure from the depot at MSA in Kotu, the buses take to their routes, four vehicles running from West Field to Tabokoto; four running between Banjul and West Field; one between Brikama and the AU Junction, via Old Yundum. And on the northern bank, commuters between Barra and Amdalai, Farafenni and Wassu, all have access to a bus plying these routes. In its efforts to ensure that it lives up to the aspirations of the Gambian leader, UTSC is keen on maintaining its position as the most affordable transport service provider in the country, with students having the most privileged treatment. Regardless of their destination, students, provided that they are in uniform, are required to pay only D5, and the buses would take them up to their school, no matter the distance. For students, there is in fact more to it than this; they can buy a month’s long bus pass for D180; and with this, any student can use UTCS buses as frequently as possible – 7 days a week. With a hotline (7477888) available 24hrs round the clock, UTSC seeks to provide an additional privilege unheard of in many countries in the sub-region. Passengers are not only privileged to convey complaints, feedback or suggestions but, for the first time in the history of this country, stranded passengers can also call the attention of the authorities in case of the presence of a large number of people in an isolated area, who might want a bus sent for them. The idea is to provide standby buses for people who want the services of the buses outside their normal operational routes. And this is extended to those that would want to charter these buses -be they on journeys within or outside The Gambia. However, for those wanting to hire UTSC buses for journeys within the country, they would only need to place at least 24hrs notice for the authorities; while those wanting to venture outside The Gambia only have to give 72 hours notice. we produce extracts of what the people themselves say about UTSCO. Please, read on. Author: DO Islamic training workshop underway Tuesday, August 26, 2008 A week-long training-of-trainers workshop for Islamic institutions in The Gambia is underway at the Imam Malick Islamic Institute in Kanifing. The workshop which commenced on Saturday brought together participants from various Islamic institutions across the country. It is meant to expose teachers of Islamic institutions to a rigorous training on how to teach in their various institutions. Speaking to the Daily Observer during the workshop, the principal of Imam Malick Institute, who also doubles as the coordinator of the workshop, Muhammed Kabba, said that the training workshop will cover areas such as ‘Tafsir’, Islamic psychology, the history of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Qur’an teaching techniques and train them on a special syllabus on how to teach these topics in their various institutions. He noted that the workshop is held annually, saying that it started last year and since then, significant milestones have been achieved in areas being treated. He revealed that according to a survey held last year, virtually all the Islamic institutions that attended the workshop have progressed and distinguished themselves compared to other Islamic institutions that did not attend the workshop. The vice principal of the institute, Ebrima Jagana, on his part described the workshop as a ‘milestone’ in the history of their institute. He affirmed that all participants would be presented with certificates at the end of the workshop on Sunday. He then called on all Islamic schools, teachers and students to take part in the workshop to enhance the development of Islam in the country. Author: by Amadou Sonko Bah |
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