By Ndey Sowe
Trust Bank on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, celebrated academic brilliance and potential at the Dunas Hotel in Kololi, where it honoured the most outstanding students in the 2024 Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABECE).
The award presentation formed part of the bank’s annual Excellence in the Millennium Award ceremony.
This year’s event, graced by the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) Dr. Abibatou Drammeh as Chief Guest of Honour, brought together proud parents, students, school administrators, and educationists.
The 2024 edition spotlighted ten exceptional students, six of whom were girls—underscoring the growing academic achievements of young women in The Gambia. Topping the list was a female student, continuing the trend of girls taking the lead in academic performance.
Speaking at the event, Trust Bank’s Managing Director, Njilan Senghore, delivered an inspiring message:“Looking at you today, I see far more than excellent students. I see the embodiment of potential—the future teachers, doctors, engineers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who will shape our nation’s destiny. You represent hope, promise, and purpose. And that is exactly why we are here today—to honour your efforts and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.”
Senghore highlighted that the consistent excellence of female students reflects not only academic merit but also significant strides in gender equality, strengthening The Gambia’s global development indicators.
The Gambia Methodist Academy emerged as the most outstanding institution this year, producing both the overall top student and the highest number of awardees in the top ten list. Senghore extended special commendation to the school, describing its achievement as “another outstanding accomplishment that deserves full recognition.”
She also celebrated the inclusion of two new schools—The Strand Basic Cycle and Greatland Upper Basic School—into the elite circle of awardees.“This is a testament to the growing competitiveness of our education system and the widening reach of academic excellence across the country,” she said.
Initiated in 2000, the Excellence in the Millennium Award has, for 25 years, recognized and rewarded academic distinction among Gambian students. Minister Dr. Abibatou Drammeh praised the long-standing commitment of Trust Bank: “Since inception, Trust Bank has consistently supported the Government of The Gambia through MoBSE, promoting quality education as a vital prerequisite for national development.”
This year’s top student, Sabel Bah of Gambia Methodist Academy, expressed joy and gratitude: “It truly feels like a dream come true. To every student, I assure you that your struggles will pay off.” She encouraged her fellow students to remain committed and appreciated her family, friends, school heads, and teachers for their unwavering support.
Explaining the selection process, Sang Sylvester Gomez, Head of National Office at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), outlined the rigorous criteria for identifying the top ten students. Candidates must have:
- Sat the GABECE exam for the first time,
- Obtained grade one in at least seven subjects—including English, Mathematics, Science, Social and Environmental Studies, and one subject each from Groups B (e.g., Agricultural Science, Religious Studies, Literature in English, French) and C (Technical and Vocational subjects),
- Scored an aggregate of six, and
- Ranked among the three highest average scorers at stage two, with no involvement in exam malpractice.
The ceremony concluded with renewed optimism and inspiration for the future of Gambian education, as Trust Bank reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing academic talent and national development.
