Three years passed so quickly! Even so, they may be learning years; changing your life forever, for better or worse.

It is change itself that challenges all of us. The three years as VC has definitely been learning years and years of change, years of experience and fascination. When I accepted the job, I knew very little (which actually means “nothing”) about the University of The Gambia and The Gambia itself. The task, however, was irresistible. My wife and I knew it would strain the family economy dramatically and also put demands of our small and closely-knit family. It was, however, too tempting and exotic.

So we went for it, my wife and I.

If I had known then, what I know now, I probably would have shunned the challenge and stayed at home amidst my books. Well, I came, and I do not regret it at all! And my wife stayed at home facing three straining years.  But this is also her 7th visit to The Gambia!

When I arrived, I was in for tough learning sessions.

When I first met UTG, the initial surprise was this:

I thought I should run a university, others thought I should make it. Secondly, and not very encouraging, I was told the university was lying down with a broken back. Not the neck, however, I was pleased to observe! Today UTG is standing upright, but the back is still paining a bit. Thirdly, during the first two weeks, I met with every (well, almost every) staff member, and I realised there was a lot of committed staff members willing to sacrifice and build the UTG. There is where it actually started - It always starts with people.  Dedicated staff members on all levels are UTG’s most valuable assets.

Accomplishments

It has been an interesting three-year voyage. Most important of what we have accomplished is this:

We have been able to put up the foundations for a developmental university; a unique Gambian University model for The Gambia that Gambians have confidence in.

An instrument for progress that, if it is well nurtured, will give significant and continuous contributions to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2020 in The Gambia.

Our back is not fully restored. Without dedicated support from the whole nation, UTG will not reach its potential. Let me restate: the whole Gambian nation. To count on donor support for running UTG, is not sustainable. I know of no other successful university that does not have a functioning library, laboratories, lecture and seminar rooms, facilities for student activities, meetings, sports, a cafeteria and so on.  Do you? The time has come to go from words and syntax to action and the materialisation of physical premises.  The time has come to perform.  Now! Because that is what is about: to deliver!

The future realisation of a “state of the art” campus at Faraba Banta fills me with enthusiasm and great expections.

But the delay of the Kanifing campus is seriously hampering intuitional development.  The lack of facilities for the medical school obstructs the development of future health services.

Achievements

What we have been able to deliver the last three years within the resources available, is not bad at all:

A better salary structure to retain staff at UTG

A modernised academic structure

New conditions of service

New student handbook

We implemented strict rules on exams and set up an exams office to secure confidence in UTG. Without compromising on quality we have opened academia to thousands of Gambians through access programmes and by introducing a bridging year, and we started up a department of law under difficult conditions.  The number of paying stunts has increased from 2007 to 2008 by 77% and up to 1250 students.

We have started master programmes.  We have a successful school of medicine and allied health sciences.  We are conducting reviews on salaries, allowances and benefit and we are conducting a full staff review to increase efficiency, we have implemented a tenure system and a transparent and predictable process of academic promotions.  We have set up an intentional office and increased international collaborations on institutional level.

Financed by a Norwegian philanthropist, DOSHERST and GTTI in collaboration, are building the new first house for the UTG to be opened in January 2009: The  “Peace House” as we call it.  We have set up educational programmes in collaboration with government and the private sector.  We have taken initial steps to start programmes in Tourism, media, and performing arts and there is more to come.

Hard work and dedication of staff members have made this possible.  But all this may be in vain and collapse if the UTG shall continue to be deprived of the most basic needs of a university.

It is my opinion that the most important mechanism to secure and increase the effects UTG has on Gambia’s development will be the establishment of a national student loan fund.

The Gambia is the smiling coast, which is true! But Radio Can-Can is the most popular radio station.  Gossip is a highly appreciated pastime.  So, please allow me to straighten out a few things, just for the record:

First: This year I have visited Limoges twice as UTG VC to develop and sign an MOU on a joint master in French.  For both of those travels I paid the tickets from my private purse.

Second: When I, as VC, visited St Mary’s College of Maryland in the US and St.Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the ticket was paid from my purse;  my wife followed me on two of those trips.  She paid from her private purse.

Another issue brought up repeatedly, is the fact that I have been teaching at the University of Bergen.  Well, they supported me with a 20% professorship to make it financially possible for me to accept the VC-ship at UTG.  That means two months work annually, which I have never had time to deliver to them. When out of The Gambia I have been in constant contact with UTG and worked for the institution.  Do not worry; I have definitely spent the 1700 working hours annually for UTG, which I was supposed to do.

To run a university is like conducting an orchestra.  As the conductor you are responsible for the repertoire and the quality of the performances.  You have to inspire and monitor the players, include the right instruments and make the orchestra play in harmony. You also have to remove players unable or unwilling to play in harmony. But most of all, you must be willing and able to identify and appreciate those musicians producing the unexpected rhythm, playing the original cord or cadence.  You must be intellectually and artistically open to recognise the music that is innovative and can bring the whole orchestral collective to new heights and achievements.

I have said it before and allow me to repeat: For me it has been a joyride. The vision you adopt for your workplace or institution is what keeps you going to work every morning.  My vision for UTG has been “the university that cares and dares! My aim has been to catalyse UTG into a developmental university.

It has been a pleasure to go to work at UTG and to participate in other activities in The Gambia; I have met people of exceptionally high integrity and quality, inside and outside UTG. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity so unexpectedly given to me; I hope I have been able to give something back, something of lasting value.

My vote of thanks!!

I am leaving The Gambia, but I am leaving The Gambia, and The Gambia will certainly not leave me.  It is in my system. I am involved in new projects that I hope shall materialise for the benefit of this unique, small nation.  Small in size and numbers, yet great in aspirations and possibilities! I also intend to be a good Ambassador in Diaspora.  Some staff members are already identified to go to the University of Bergen for training or as visiting scholars.

I thank you all sincerely, but allow me to recognise a few (for those of you not mentioned specifically, please forgive me; for those not present: this is for the record!):

First my thanks go to my SoS up till October 1, Crispin Grey-Johnson: Together we initiated the integrated developmental university of the future.  I am fully convinced that what has been started will prove to be an indispensable engine for the development of The Gambia.  I am confident that UTG will continue to be a source of strength for DOSHERST and that this relationship will be mutual.

PS Saidou Jallow, thank you for the day-to-day contact. I have been impressed by and never doubted your dedication to the sciences. The strengthening of science at UTG is imperative for development and it will be expensive. I will not mention money, just indicate the needs. SoS Fatou Fye and PS Baboucarr Bouy.  It was the two of you that convinced my wife and me to use three years for The Gambia.

Thank you so much. You have always been there for UTG and in some cases, for me. The chairman of council, Abdoulie Touray, has given me immense support and impeccable and critical advice.  Council and its members have a great ownership in what we have achieved. Senate has critically and vigilantly discussed, reshaped and supported most of my ideas and proposals brought to them. The heads of departments has acted more and more independently based on the powers delegated to them.  That pleases me a lot, and the future strength in UTG lies in your hands.

My closest partner at UTG has been the University Registrar Lamin Sam Jaiteh.  Without you, I could not have delivered.  That is all there is to say! But there is one thing to do!

The rest of the strategic management team: thank you for all the good decisions and the good laughs.  And thank you for your good advice when I was ready to do very un-Gambian (or as you easily understood: silly) things. Together we were a strong, dedicated and inventive team.

To Dr. Ousman Nyan, the provost, DVC, and now acting Vice Chancellor: I have learnt to know you well.  If the UTG staff and DOSHERST give you the support and respect you deserve, and the time you will need, the UTG, now gaining speed at the runway, will easily take off into the high skies. A warm gratitude goes to all staff members in the whole UTG organisation! I warmly acknowledge and appreciate the role played by the Student Union.  The Union Presidents have critically supported me and dedicated themselves to the task of building UTG.

Thank you to all the students! You are the university’s core! And there are so many others:

Allow me to mention the Vice-President and SoS for Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Isatou Njie-Saidy and thank her for our good meetings and steadfast support.

Thanks to SoS for Health and Social Welfare, my good friend, Malik Njie. Warm thanks to SoS for Tourism and Culture, Nancy Njie. You will be an important part of my future Gambian life. A special appreciation goes to the Taiwanese Ambassador, his staff and the Taiwanese government who support UTG and its students in many well targeted ways.

Warm thanks go to the Cuban Ambassador and the Cuban government who strongly support the medical school.

Friends and colleagues at Gambia College, GTTI, MDI and MRC, thank you all.

Thanks to My dear Oumiela and Kanila at UTG. My driver, Corporal (soon Sergeant) Sainey Baldeh. My guard, Corporal (soon Sergeant) Lamin Tamba. Quantumnet, who provided excellent internet and Skype connection. Safari Garden, where I spent intercontinental evenings with wonderful people from all over the world.  (In an ongoing global competition to win an international prize on responsible tourism, Safari Garden is one out of three finalists; 700 were nominated.) My across-the-street restaurant, Shanghai. Brussels Airlines, who transported my family, so many friends, and me very comfortably and safely to The Gambia and back.

Thanks to Musa and Ernest who have been my watchmen, gardeners and handymen, and to The government who provided security guards. And I shall never forget my maid, Alimatou Jammeh, who cleaned my house, washed my clothes, cooked my food, and taught me about Gambian customs and the Koran.

A special appreciation goes to Dr. Momodou Jain who invited me to teach at UTG with unforeseen consequences, and gave me one of the greatest surprises of my life when I was called to be VC.

To those of you I have forgotten to mention: I deeply apologize and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Finally, I would like to express a sincere vote of thanks to the Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, His Excellency, the President of The Republic, Alhagie Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, for the unconditional support he has bestowed upon the UTG and myself.  He has been a great inspiration, especially when I felt little inspired.  I really have appreciated the open and honest discussion we have had.  His never failing support is of immeasurable value to UTG. And finally, this saga has a heroine: My wife and companion for 38 exciting years, Elsa. 

The last three years, when she was busy keeping the family and the economy together and looking after her 90 + year-old mother on top of her job as lecturer in secondary school, I was having stimulating times at UTG and in The Gambia.  I know, however, that she has learnt to love and appreciate this country and its people as much as I have.

You have had hard times, but cheer up:  Your janitor is coming home!

Ultimately: Do I entertain any regrets? Not for one split second. Thank you for your attention!

In a well attended graduation ceremony at the Bakau Independence Stadium, 172 young Gambians were conferred degrees by His Excellency, President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, the founding chancellor of The University of The Gambia (UTG), on Saturday.

The occasion was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life including the vice president, the speaker of the National Assembly, secretaries of state, the vice-chancellor, members of Senate of the UTG, the graduating students themselves, their and other guests, including the Jamaican artists from the USA, Morgan Heritage.

Speaking at the occasion, President Yahya Jammeh, who is also the chancellor of the University of The Gambia, described the ceremony for the conferment of degrees as yet another opportunity to renew their commitment to uphold the tradition of excellence that the university has always exemplified, and to rededicate ourselves to the collective task of strengthening this national institution of higher learning and, by extension, to the development of our dear motherland - The Gambia.

According to him, the University of The Gambia is very central to his government’s development aspirations and his government will not relent in their efforts to ensure its growth and sustainability. He added that, it is however not the business of government alone and encouraged every Gambian at home and in the diaspora, and friends of The Gambia to join the crusade to consolidate the growth and further development of the university.

According to the UTG chancellor, his government’s unwavering and steadfast commitment to develop and consolidate higher education is explicitly articulated in the New Education Policy 2004-2015.

“The Tertiary and Higher Education component of the Education Policy 2004-2015, provides for the University of The Gambia to “build and establish working relationships with existing tertiary institutions in the country to strengthen its infrastructure as well as to develop the nucleus for an enduring and sustainable higher education system in The Gambia. My government fully supports the integration and consolidation of higher education institutions and structures in order to develop a robust system of education, that is more responsive to student and labour market needs, yet effective and efficient in utilising the physical, financial and human resources of the higher education sub-sector,” he said.

President Jammeh saluted the graduates for working hard enough to earn the accolade that they received.

“Of course, the successes we are celebrating today also reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of the leadership of the university and its governing uouncil. So, I want to commend all of you, the graduating students, academic staff and the University authorities for your efforts, and to heartily congratulate you on your achievement,” he said.

The Gambian leader then observed that the rapid and impressive gains in access and equity in the basic and secondary school systems in recent years will directly increase demand for tertiary places, infrastructure and resources. As chancellor of the university and head of State, he noted that he is aware of the seriousness of the constraints that are experienced by the university such as inadequate material and human resources, and the increasing demand for university education without a corresponding expansion in infrastructure.

“Without the expansion of the infrastructure and recruitment of additional academic staff, the quality and utility of higher education delivered could be compromised”.

He then assured the gathering that “I will rather sell all what I have but I will ensure that the University of The Gambia is of world class. My government will never allow such a situation to persist and I would like to assure you that appropriate measures are already in place to address these requirements.”

According to him, universities, whether privately or publicly funded, have a special responsibility and mandate to assist society in achieving its development aspirations. He expressed delight that the vision and activities of UTG are consistent with those of the nation as a whole.

He added that the university has continued to make rapid strides in the development, establishment and improvement of a wide range of academic, career-oriented and professional programmes. “With the introduction of a number of new programmes in ICT and Law, the University has already demonstrated its capacity to vigorously support the nation’s efforts to indigenise the Gambian Bench by 2011.

Similarly, i am informed of the discussions underway between the Department of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Directorate of National Treasury and university of The Gambia, to introduce a course for Accountants, Financial Analysts and Managers to fill the capacity gaps that exist in the public sector, and indeed, meet the needs of financial institutions. I am delighted also to learn of the introduction of a two-year master of Arts degree in African History” he said.

For the UTG Chancellor, this is very important because if your history is written by other person, it will not reflect your true history addition to the skills and intellectual discipline that this course would instill in the graduates, the country will also directly benefit from having its history and peoples studied and researched in greater depth, generating correct information and knowledge about The Gambia.

He then maintained that education continues to be of very high priority for to his government adding that this priority is predicated on the fact that only higher education could provide the high-level intellectual and specialised technical skills that are necessary to realise the socio-economic and technological transformation of the country. “My government places great value on education that is productive and that can add value to our country’s efforts in the attainment of food self-sufficiency and the overall socio-economic and technological objectives of The Gambia.

The recent creation of the Department of State for higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, reflects my Government’s vision of the kind of education we are aspiring to achieve” he added.

President Jammeh then congratulate the graduants and their parents for their tremendous success and sacrifice and expressed hope that the new graduates will never forget their parents, guardians and all those who have contributed to their success.

For his part, Abdoulie Touray, chairman of the University of The Gambia governing council described the event as yet another milestone in the history of the education sector in The Gambia.

He equally reaffirmed their commitment and support towards the development  endeavours of the Jammeh administration more especially ensuring an excellent and vibrant university of standard for The Gambia. He then saluted President Jammeh for remaining steadfast in ensuring that the UTG move strength to strength.

“These is a world class university and will always nurture in the ideals of its founding father” he said.

He highlighted the several achievements registered by the UTG for the past years saying “23 world class train medical doctors will be graduate today. There is a dedicated computer classes with Quantum and St Mary’s University.

We have also started our home grown masters programme. Last year, we also conferred distinguish honour to Professor Andrea Steigen, UTG Vice Chancellor and Professor Awoso. We have also awarded three honourary Doctorate degrees to three people including President Jammeh and Vice President Njie-Saidy” he said. He then assured of their readiness to increase students success in the UTG, sustain a physical environment of learning and research and build up professionals by 2020 to meet the objectives among others.

He then advised them to maintain a positive mindset and your attitudes matters a lot every where.

Abdoulie M Sallah, secretary of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology described the convocation as yet another achievement for the government and people of The Gambia for the sons and daughters of the country to be conferred degrees of international standards in their homeland. He noted that it is therefore the duty of every Gambian to thank President Yahya Jammeh for his great vision in providing higher education opportunities for Gambians.

He also commended President Jammeh for his resolve commitment, vision and steadfast to develop the Gambia. He added that the efforts of the Jammeh administration in transforming the Gambia has been seen by all and manifested by majority of Gambians by voting massively for the APRC sponsored candidates in the series of elections held in the country.

According to him, higher education is very essential in the providing skills and knowledge that can lead to the overall development of the individual and by extension, national development.

He added that through the association of scientific and technological institutions, some countries have today been able to transform themselves and became great providers of food and other agricultural products. “It is for this reason that our University most play a vital role in our education programme.

 Our university must help to shift the destiny of the new Gambian identity. The men and women that come from our university should be with a strong sense of service and loyalty for the nation in recognition of the great strive and sacrifices that have been made for them by the APRC government” he said.

According to him, it is equally important that higher education should suit the welfare of the people particularly in the areas of economics, cultural scientific and technological development. He then challenged the UTG to play a leadership role in the implementation of the innovations and efforts to achieve the goals of the vision 2020.

He added that the special areas of funding, expanded access and infrastructural development for the UTG continues to take center stage in their priority areas as a department of state.

He assured that the UTG will be supported in upgrading its facilities as the integration of tertiary institutions into the UTG will greatly have implications for our higher education system including among others, the improvement of opportunities for students, improvement in efficiency and effectiveness in the use of financial resources, increase in enrolment and improvement in the delivery of quality programmes as clearly articulated in the national education policy 2004-2015. He added that the state-of-the-art Kanilai science and technology academy which is near completion will serve a lot for the student from the UTG with special aptitude in science and technology as it will help build new train and competent professional who will guide and direct the socio-economic, scientific and technological transformation of The Gambia.

The then urged the UTG to prepare the people to be flexible and creative and called on the UTG to forge strategic alliances and partnership with the private sector and interested individuals in the funding of higher education to complement government efforts. He noted that the Gambia government considers such partnership as necessary ingredients for the real impact on the growth and development of the university.

He then saluted the chairman and members of the UTG governing council, Vice Chancellor, staff and students for a job well done. For the graduants, he implored on them to feel proud of themselves and celebrate their well earn success and challenged them to make best use of their degrees obtained.

For his part, Professor Andreas Steigen, Vice Chancellor, University of The Gambia said convocation is a milestone in an academic carrer for graduates and their families. He said for the graduates, it is a first stepping stone for a longer carrer noting that their achievements will help them to work in society and participate in the ongoing transformation of the country.

He then urged the graduates to always aim to be a quality worker and prepare to face future challenges of the world today. “ There is always daily challenges. Work for the common good, prepare yourselves for creativity and wisdom, look for the new challenges, possibilities and solutions.

He also highlighted the several achievements registered by the UTG and paid special tribute to the government of the Gambia and the Gambian people.

More on the Convocation ceremony tomorrow in our special UTG issue.