President Barrow Presides Over Graduation of USET’s First Batch of Homegrown Engineers

President Adama Barrow © MoHERST

By Fatoumata Jaiteh

President Adama Barrow has officially commissioned the newly built College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) at the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) and presided over the university’s maiden convocation ceremony on Saturday, 21st June 2025 — marking a major milestone in The Gambia’s educational and developmental journey.

The dual ceremony, held at USET’s main campus in Brikama, celebrated both the inauguration of a cutting-edge engineering facility and the graduation of the country’s first cohort of locally trained engineers in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical/Electronic Engineering.

“This occasion is spectacularly special,” President Barrow stated. “It marks a historic link in our national development priorities, as we continue to invest in a knowledge-driven and self-reliant Gambia.”

Funded by the World Bank through the ACE Impact Project and supported by MRC Holland, the CoSE facility is fully equipped with modern teaching tools, laboratories, and research equipment. It is expected to play a transformative role in broadening access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and driving innovation across the nation.

President Barrow paid tribute to the late Vice President Badara Alieu Joof, who laid the foundation stone of the project in 2022. “That we are commissioning this edifice in less than three years is a testament to our collective commitment,” he affirmed.

Hailing the graduating class as “flagbearers of a bold vision” and “nation-builders,” President Barrow described the new engineers as symbols of USET’s mission. “You are more than engineers. You are the embodiment of our hopes,” he declared.

Dignitaries Congratulate Graduands © MoHERST

Engr. Ebrima Cham, Chair of the USET Governing Council, described the event as a “historic milestone” for the country, as it celebrates the emergence of its first generation of homegrown engineers. He praised Gambian professionals for designing and constructing the CoSE facility, specifically highlighting architect Baboucarr Janneh of FENTA Architects and contractor Krubally Construction. He also commended Higher Education Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez for his active and hands-on supervision.

Cham acknowledged the vital support of international partners such as KNUST and De Montfort University and expressed deep appreciation to the World Bank for its financial backing. He voiced optimism that USET is on track to become one of Africa’s leading institutions in engineering and technology.

In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazmat Toyin Surajudeen Bakinde echoed the significance of the day, calling it “a new era in the technological and scientific advancement of our beloved nation.” He emphasized that USET was founded to serve as a hub of applied knowledge and practical innovation tailored to national development.

“We are especially proud to be graduating our first cohort of homegrown engineers — young men and women trained, mentored, and shaped on Gambian soil,” he noted. He urged the graduates to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and innovate with purpose.

Prof. Bakinde made a strong appeal to the private sector, government institutions, and development partners to support the new graduates through employment opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative ventures. “We envision a Gambia where bridges, roads, software, energy systems, and infrastructure are designed and built by Gambians for Gambians,” he stressed.

Highlighting USET’s accomplishments, the Vice Chancellor pointed to the launch of pioneering programs in Engineering and ICT, the expansion of entrepreneurship initiatives, and investment in sustainable technologies. He noted the university’s ongoing curriculum reform to address global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Prof. Bakinde also extended special thanks to Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting USET through Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps, which deployed 18 Nigerian professionals to the university. He spotlighted two contributors in particular: Dr. Michael Sanmi Awopetu, who composed the USET anthem, and Engr. Gbogiri Muhammad Katun, who designed the university’s ceremonial mace.

Looking ahead, he revealed USET’s plans to expand its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) partnerships, launch postgraduate programs, and improve campus facilities, including hostels, clinics, and sports centers.

In closing, Prof. Bakinde quoted Nelson Mandela, reminding the graduates: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” He called on them to be the changemakers The Gambia — and Africa — needs.