Ministry of Higher Education,Research Science and Technology

MoHERST Convenes Validation Workshop on TVET and Gender Equality Regulations

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) today convened a validation workshop on the draft Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Regulations and the draft Gender Equality, Equity and Inclusion Regulations, bringing together representatives from government, academia, civil society, the private sector, and development partners.

Opening the workshop, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez, described the gathering as an important milestone in the transformation of The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education sector.

The workshop focused on two landmark regulatory frameworks developed to support the implementation of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy (2021–2030) and the National Strategy for Increased Female Participation in Tertiary and Higher Education and Decision-Making in The Gambia (2025–2029).

The proposed TVET Regulations provide a framework for the effective coordination, implementation, and development of technical and vocational education in The Gambia. Key provisions include the establishment of a TVET Unit within MoHERST, the creation of a National TVET Committee, strengthened teacher training programmes, curriculum alignment with labour market demands, and enhanced internship and apprenticeship opportunities.

The regulations also seek to promote equity and inclusion by expanding access to education and skills development opportunities for girls, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

Similarly, the draft Gender Equality, Equity and Inclusion Regulations aim to institutionalise gender-responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting across tertiary and higher education institutions. The framework proposes the establishment of Gender and Inclusion Units, affirmative action measures to increase female participation in STEM and TVET programmes, mentorship initiatives, gender-sensitive facilities, and financial support mechanisms for women and underrepresented groups.

The Minister underscored the importance of stakeholder ownership and collaboration in ensuring the successful implementation of the regulations. He called for active participation and constructive feedback to strengthen the draft documents before they are submitted for finalisation and enactment.

He reaffirmed MoHERST’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to advance technical and vocational education, promote gender equality and inclusion, and build a more responsive and competitive tertiary and higher education sector.

The validation workshop continues with technical sessions and stakeholder consultations aimed at refining the regulations ahead of their adoption.

MoHERST Convenes Validation Workshop on Gender Inclusion and TVET Regulations

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) today convened a validation workshop on two key draft policy instruments aimed at strengthening governance, inclusivity, and skills development within The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education sector.

The workshop focuses on the Draft Regulations for the Gender Inclusion Policy for Tertiary and Higher Education and the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy for Tertiary and Higher Education.

Held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, the session brought together stakeholders from government institutions, academia, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. Participants are engaged in reviewing and providing technical input to refine the draft regulations prior to their finalization.

The validation workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance equity in access to higher education, strengthen technical and vocational training systems, and promote gender inclusion across the sector. The outcomes of the discussions are expected to inform the final adoption of the regulations.

Development cannot be postponed.

Every investment we make today in education, research, science, technology, and innovation creates opportunities for our youth, strengthens our economy, and lays the foundation for a more prosperous future.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) remains committed to advancing national development by empowering people, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable growth.

The future begins with the actions we take today. Development is now.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST) proudly congratulates the Honourable Minister, Professor Pierre Gomez, on receiving the Quiet Achiever Award at the Heroes Awards 2026.

This prestigious honour recognizes Professor Gomez’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contributions to advancing higher education, research, science, technology, and innovation in The Gambia.

Under his leadership, MOHERST has continued to implement transformative reforms and initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality higher education, strengthening research and innovation, and developing the human capital needed for national development.

The award reflects Professor Gomez’s dedication to public service and the collective efforts of the Ministry and its stakeholders in advancing educational excellence and sustainable development.

MOHERST celebrates this well-deserved recognition and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Minister’s vision of building a knowledge-driven and innovation-led society.

Congratulations, Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez, on receiving the Quiet Achiever Award at the Heroes Awards 2026.

Jumma Mubarak from Faraba.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) remains committed to advancing national development through education, research, science, and innovation.

Development cannot be postponed-it is now.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) extends its warmest Eid Mubarak greetings to all staff, partners, stakeholders, and the entire nation.

On this blessed occasion, we wish you peace, unity, good health, and renewed happiness. May this Eid strengthen the bonds of togetherness, inspire compassion, and bring lasting harmony to our communities.

We also express sincere appreciation to all those contributing to the advancement of higher education, research, science, and technology in The Gambia. Your dedication continues to drive innovation, knowledge, and national development.

Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones.

MoHERST and AUDA-NEPAD Open Technical Meeting to Deepen Cooperation on Education and Digital Transformation

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) on Tuesday officially opened a technical meeting with the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), aimed at strengthening collaboration in education, skills development, and digital transformation.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honorable Professor Pierre Gomez, welcomed the AUDA-NEPAD delegation to The Gambia and described the engagement as timely and aligned with the Ministry’s strategic direction.

He noted that the discussions focus on partnership opportunities in the digital transformation of education systems, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), innovation and entrepreneurship, and the use of digital technologies across the education sector.

As part of the mission, the delegation visited the University of The Gambia (Faraba Banta Campus) and the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology, where they were briefed on ongoing infrastructure and equipment investments in the tertiary education sector.

Hon. Prof. Gomez also highlighted AUDA-NEPAD initiatives to be presented, including the Continental Ed-Tech Systems Programme and the Programme for Inclusive and Productive Use of the Internet in Africa.

The technical session brought together MoHERST directors and leaders of key institutions such as the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund, the Student Revolving Loan Scheme (SRLS), and the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF), to share policy priorities, ongoing programmes, and areas for collaboration.

The AUDA-NEPAD delegation, led by Director Symerre Grey-Johnson, Director of the Human Capital and Institutional Development Directorate (HCID), and Dr. Barbara Glover, Programme Officer and Head of Education Unit, HCID, expressed readiness to support MoHERST in advancing education, innovation, and digital transformation initiatives in The Gambia.

The Minister further highlighted ongoing reforms, including the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy aligned with AU and ECOWAS frameworks, alongside national strategies such as the TVET Policy (2021–2030) and the National Research Policy (2024–2029).

Concluding, Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez reaffirmed MoHERST’s commitment to strengthening partnership with AUDA-NEPAD to deliver impactful programmes that support national and continental development goals, and officially declared the session open.

AUDA-NEPAD Mission Engagement at MoHERST Conference Room

Day Two of the African Union Development Agency mission to The Gambia was held at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) Conference Room chaired by the Permanent Secretary of MoHERST, Ms. Isatou Auber.

The day commenced with opening prayers followed by welcome remarks delivered by Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez, setting the tone for a day of technical presentations and strategic dialogue focused on strengthening collaboration in education, research, innovation, and digital transformation.

A key segment of the session featured a scene-setting presentation by the AUDA-NEPAD delegation led by Director Symerre Grey-Johnson, outlining continental priorities and ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing human capital development and inclusive digital transformation across Africa.

This was followed by presentations from key national financing and research institutions, including the Student Revolving Loan Scheme presented by Dr. Samba Bah, the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund presented by Dr. Jorjoh Ndure-Tambedou, and the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) presented by Prof. Momodou Sallah. These presentations highlighted funding mechanisms supporting access to higher education, research development, and innovation ecosystems in The Gambia.

Further technical sessions included presentations from MoHERST Directorates. The Directorate of Planning, Budgeting and Policy Analysis (DPBPA), represented by Mr. Lamin Ceesay, provided updates on sector planning and policy coordination. The Directorate of Research (DoR), represented by Mr. James Gomez, highlighted ongoing research initiatives, while the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), presented by Mr. Edward A. Mendy, focused on science, technology, and innovation priorities.

A consolidated update on ongoing projects and programmes was delivered by Ms. Marrie Mendy, followed by interactive question-and-answer sessions that allowed for deeper engagement among all participants.

The meeting concluded with a debriefing session, where participants reflected on key outcomes and agreed on next steps, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and AUDA-NEPAD in advancing national and continental development priorities.

Day One of the African Union Development Agency (AU NEPAD) mission to The Gambia focused on institutional visits to the University of The Gambia and the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology.

The visits brought together officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, leadership and representatives of both universities, and members of the visiting AUDA-NEPAD delegation as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration in higher education, research, innovation, and skills development.

At the University of The Gambia’s Faraba Banta Campus, the delegation engaged with university officials on institutional priorities, academic development, and opportunities for partnership in advancing education and research initiatives. Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening digital transformation within higher education institutions and enhancing support for innovation-driven learning environments.

The delegation later proceeded to the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), where engagements focused on technical education, applied sciences, engineering, and technology-driven skills development. University representatives shared insights into their programmes and ongoing efforts aimed at building a workforce equipped with practical and industry-relevant competencies.

The visits provided an opportunity for both institutions to showcase their achievements, exchange ideas with the visiting team, and explore possible areas of cooperation aligned with national and continental development priorities in education, innovation, and human capital development.

The delegation were led on conducted tours in both campuses.