Gambia has requested more postgraduate scholarships in Nigerian universities for its students. The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, made the appeal during a visit to the acting Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, in Abuja on Monday.
Prof. Gomez commended Nigerians for their contribution to university education in Gambia, noting that many key positions in the country’s first university are held by Nigerians. He also praised the quality of Nigerian universities, stating that Gambians who have completed postgraduate programs in Nigerian universities under the World Bank-sponsored African Centre of Excellence (ACE) are now playing vital roles in Gambia.
The Gambia is particularly interested in postgraduate scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. Prof. Gomez explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek support and determine whether TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programs fall under NUC’s purview, as Gambia seeks assistance in that area as well.
Prof. Gomez emphasized the importance of functional education in solving societal problems and sought support in capacity building. He declared that higher education has the power to uplift individuals and transform the country’s development.
In response, Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, assured Prof. Gomez of Nigeria’s support, despite its own challenges. He mentioned that Nigeria faces high demand for university education, with only about 50 percent of applicants gaining admission each year. Maiyaki drew a parallel between Nigeria’s provision of electricity to Niger Republic and its willingness to assist neighboring countries in education.
Maiyaki welcomed the visit, expressing his pleasure that it coincided with the launch of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in the Nigerian University System. He described the new curriculum as revolutionary and dynamic.
Furthermore, Maiyaki highlighted that Nigeria has opened up its higher education system to attract international players through the transactional education guidelines set by NUC. He encouraged genuine foreign universities to enter the Nigerian market.
Regarding the request for postgraduate scholarships, Maiyaki requested that Prof. Gomez send a formal proposal detailing the specific programs and universities of choice. This would enable NUC to process the request appropriately. Maiyaki also mentioned that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has developed a plan to bring around 500 Gambian students to Nigerian universities, and encouraged the exploration of this opportunity.