By Olimatou Coker
The Namie Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) and the Gambia Teachers Union (GTU), on Thursday unveiled Sedia Kebbeh of Region 4 as the winner of the National Teachers Prize at a ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Jawara Conference Centre.
The award ceremony marked the third edition of The Gambia Teacher Prize 2026, a prestigious national event that celebrates excellence in teaching and the transformative role of educators in shaping the nation’s future.
This year’s edition promised an inspiring evening of recognition and celebration of excellence, highlighting the dedication of Gambian teachers who continue to uplift education and empower generations.
The event brought together international partners, top government officials, and educators from across the country.
A total of eight regional winners competed for the national award, and the chair of the awards and selection committee announced one as the ultimate winner.
Sedia Kebbeh from Soma Upper and Senior Secondary School in Region 4, Lower River Region, was named the national winner. He received a checque of D100,000 and an international scholarship, awarded by MoBSE to both him and the first female runner-up. The remaining regional winners each received D50000, along with a national scholarship and a laptop courtesy of MRC Holland Foundation.
Speaking to the press, Kebbeh expressed his delight in winning the award and encouraged his fellow teachers to continue making a positive impact beyond the classroom.
Vice President Mohammed Jallow said the Gambia Teacher Prize represents far more than recognition of individual achievement. “It is a strategic national platform that elevates the teaching profession and reinforces their collective resolve to transform education in line with the priorities of their National Development Plan,” he noted.
He added that the prize reflects the shared understanding that no nation can achieve inclusive growth, social cohesion, and economic resilience without investing in its human capital, beginning with its teachers.
VP Jallow said teachers remain the cornerstone of the education system and the primary drivers of human capital development. “Their role is indispensable in equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values required to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He highlighted that despite operating in often challenging environments, with resource constraints and increasing demands, teachers continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication, resilience, and professionalism. This commitment deserves not only our recognition, but also their sustained and structured support.
“The transformation of our education system and our nation depends on how effectively we invest in our teachers. A well-supported teacher produces competent graduates who drive innovation, strengthen governance, and contribute to economic diversification. The Teacher Prize therefore contributes directly to our national development agenda,” he explained.
He said that the government remains fully committed to enhancing social quality, improving service conditions, and modernising education infrastructure. However, in line with the RF-NDP, this responsibility must be shared.
He also called on the private sector, civil society, and development partners to deepen their investment in education.
Prof Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, stated: “It is a powerful national statement and affirmation of our collective commitment to excellence in education and a celebration of those who dedicate their lives to shaping the future of the nation. As the minister of higher education, we firmly recognise that teachers are the cornerstones of any successful education system. They are not merely educators. They are nation builders, mentors, and custodians of our collective aspirations.”
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Dr Habibatou Drammeh said the ceremony recognised the extraordinary contribution of the nation’s educators.
Dr Henrietta Sonko of MRC Holland Foundation praised the teachers for their transformative impact on lives. She said a lot has changed over the past years.
Bintou Jatta Susso, the vice chairperson of namie Foundation, said education is everybody’s business: “We welcome you to be a part of this initiative to make sure that teachers are celebrated, to make sure that teachers are motivated, to make sure that we all look at the teachers with prestige,” she said.
