By Madiba Singhateh
The University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, officially matriculated over a thousand students across various disciplines at its Kanifing campus, marking the institution’s first major matriculation ceremony.
The event, held in grand style, brought together students, faculty, and university officials in a celebration of academic achievement and new beginnings. Thousands of students took the matriculation oath, pledging to uphold the principles and values of the university.
Addressing the ceremony, USET Vice Chancellor Professor Nasmat Surajudeen-Bakinde welcomed the new students into what she described as a vibrant and forward-thinking academic community.
“Congratulations on your well-deserved admission. You are now part of a vibrant institution that stands at the forefront of innovation, technical education, and applied research in The Gambia and beyond,” she said.
She outlined the distribution of students across three key faculties: 203 students (44 females and 159 males) from the College of Engineering; 314 students (150 females and 164 males) from the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and 2,044 students (417 females and 1,627 males) from the Institute of Technology.
Professor Surajudeen-Bakinde emphasized USET’s mission to be a hub for training engineers, technicians, and innovators with an entrepreneurial mindset.
“This ceremony symbolizes a contract between you and this institution to pursue excellence, integrity, and service. It is the beginning of a journey that we hope will be marked by curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and resilience,” she added.
Highlighting USET’s vision, she said the university aspires to become one of the leading institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong focus on practical skills, entrepreneurship, and industry-ready graduates.
Also speaking at the event, Alieu Secka, Director of the Institute of Technology, urged the students to take both their academic and practical training seriously.
“We expect hard work and dedication. If you want to move on with your study in terms of skill and knowledge, you need to master it. When you move out of this country, you should be counted among the productive people contributing immensely to national development,” he said.
Secka further challenged the students to change the narrative that most skilled jobs in The Gambia are held by non-Gambians. “Our youth come and study, but many don’t want to attach themselves to workshops. That’s how skills are acquired — even in Europe,” he remarked.
The matriculation marks a significant milestone for USET as it continues to grow into a cornerstone of technical and vocational education in The Gambia.
