By: Kebba AF Touray
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Gambia’s Higher Education Minister, Prof. Pierre Gomez, addressed Gambian lawmakers about the status of Gambian students studying in Morocco.
This update was given during a session dedicated to questions for oral answers, specifically in response to an inquiry from Hon. Abdoulie Njai, member of Banjul Central.
Minister Gomez reported that in 2023, the Ministry received a list from the Gambian embassy in Morocco, detailing 160 students enrolled in various degree programs, including bachelors, master’s, and PhDs. Based on this list, stipends were disbursed in May- June 2023. However, in 2024, the Ministry conducted a verification exercise using the same list before proceeding with stipend payments.
“The purpose was to physically confirm and ascertain the number of Gambian students in Morocco eligible for stipends. We observed that some students had exceeded their stipulated time and others pursued master’s programs without written clearance from the Ministry,” said Gomez.
He explained that lessons learned from the disbursement of the COVID-19 sustenance package influenced the Ministry’s new approach. The verification exercise is nearing completion, and scholarship award letters are being prepared for eligible students, specifying their entitlements.
Out of the 160 students verified, 135 are currently studying, while 23 completed their programs as of October 2023. Minister Gomez noted that the Ministry provides annual stipend top-ups to students in Morocco, who primarily receive scholarships from the Moroccan government.
“Students must inform the Ministry upon completing their studies. Those who decide to continue their education without the Ministry’s consent are ineligible for support, as it is not budgeted,” Gomez stated. However, a second chance is offered for students to apply for the stipend top-up, and eligible candidates will be awarded accordingly.
He emphasized a shift in the Ministry’s approach, working with Moroccan authorities to identify programs based on national needs, particularly emphasizing STEM and TVET disciplines. Exceptions are made for certain bachelor’s degrees not offered in Gambian institutions.
