By Awa Macalo
The University of The Gambia’s Directorate of Research and Consultancy together with the School of Business Administration held an annual international meeting with stakeholders to pace up the impact of Covid-19 on health, economy and education.
They also discussed means to recover the losses in these sectors for the economy.
Speaking on behalf of the university’s management, Dr Sanyang said it is mandatory for the UTG research body to conduct research on relevant issues that are posing threats to the The Gambia’s development.
“Today’s event marked yet another important day for the University of The Gambia and the country at large. The aim of this forum is to engage and interact with students, researchers, and stakeholders on the way forward in developing a better Gambia post Covid-19.”
Muctarr Darboe, director of science and technology and innovation, MoHERST, said the Covid-19 crisis has placed an unprecedented challenge on the educational systems across countries and regions.
He said as a result, thousands of Gambian students’ education was affected.
“The ministry supported and facilitated other engagements through meetings and a series of seminars on resumption to enhance mechanisms and working with relevant partners facilitating data access to faculty of students throughout the country.”
Mr Darboe said the ministry has also collaborated with finance and foreign affairs ministries to successfully administer sponsorship packages.
Dr Mustapha Bittaye, who represented the Ministry of Health, said the UTG is the engine of growth and development of the country.
The acting vice-chancellor of the UTG, Professor Pierre Gomez, explained that The Gambia, in the last two years did not only experience low growth in terms of education but an “overwhelming and unprecedented challenge because of the Covid-19 pandemic”.
The goal of the conference is to create a platform for academics to discuss their research work on issues related to the pandemic, Professor Gomez said.
“The university is there to respond to societal needs and this activity is part of that core mandate of the institution,” he stated.
