By Rohey Jadama
The University of The Gambia (UTG), on Friday 5 February, 2016 held its 9th convocation ceremony to confer undergraduate and 
postgraduate
degrees to 1310 granduands in the various academic fields.
Addressing the new graduates in the presence of their families and friends as well as academics, officials and other guests at the Arch in Banjul, the president of the republic who is also the UTG Chancellor, deputized by Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy, Vice President, said the key objective of the University is to provide excellence in teaching, learning and research.
The UTG Chancellor said to achieve a top class university status requires hard work. He urged the graduands to make best use of the knowledge gained in order to contribute their quota to national development.
For his part, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the UTG, Professor Mustapha Khalil, said the University is trying to improve on critical areas since he came into office.
The UTG Ag.Vice Chancellor highlighted the successes and challenges registered over the years and appealed to the friends of the University to come to their aid. He urged the granduands to be good ambassadors of the UTG and congratulated them for successfully completing their studies.
Prof. Khalil assured quality assurance in education training being provided by the UTG and noted that the UTG management will continue to do its best in promoting this healthy tradition in a bid to make the institution a top class University.
The interim Chairman of the UTG Governing Council, who also doubles as
the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr. Abubacarr Senghore, expressed delight to be part of the convocation and noted that they have been offering degrees that are relevant to the national needs.
Minister Senghore reaffirmed his council’s commitment to supporting the president’s vision for the institution. He also noted his Council’s support for the welfare of students and staff of the University.
The higher education, research, science and technology minister urged
graduands to focus on science which, according to him, is the key in
development.
Among those conferred an honorary degree are Madam Fatou Lamin Faye, the minister of basic and secondary education and Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, former UTG vice chancellor.
Fatou Kineh Ndow, the most outstanding student of the 9th convocation,
‘Summa Cum Laude’ in Mathematics was given the sum of D100,000 and Musa
Jatta , the best undergraduate student in December 2013 with ‘Summa Cum Laude’ in Computer Science was given the sum of D75,000.00.
