President Barrow Unveils National Strategy to Integrate Madrasahs into Mainstream Education
Group photo of launch © MoHERST
By Haddy Ceesay
On June 10, 2025, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) officially launched The Gambia’s National Madrassah Integration Strategy (GMIS) 2025 to 2029 at a high-level event held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
The ceremony brought together senior government officials and religious and community leaders and was honoured by the presence of His Excellency President Adama Barrow.
Highlighting the Need for Change
In his remarks, Mr Ousman Jah, President of AMAANA, underscored the importance of the new strategy:
“For many years, children in Madrassahs have studied Islamic and human sciences, but lacked the same support and opportunities as their peers in conventional schools. This strategy is here to change that. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Barrow and his government, we will ensure that every Gambian student—whether in a Madrassahs or mainstream school—has the tools and skills to build a brighter future.”
Mr Jah outlined the key pillars of the strategy, beginning with increased resource allocation for Madrassahs. He called for expanded government support, noting that only about 30% of Madrassah teachers currently receive salaries through state funding. He also advocated for extending the School Improvement Grant (SIG), part of the National Education Policy 2025–2029, to “globalised Madrassahs.”
President Barrow and Minister of Higher Education © MoHERST
Support from Development Partners
Mr Franklin Mutahakana, World Bank Country Representative, reinforced the strategy’s importance by citing figures from the 2024–2025 Educational Statistical Yearbook:
“Madrassahs account for 15% of all schools in The Gambia and serve over 100,000 students—roughly one in every seven learners. This isn’t just a policy matter; it’s a central part of our national education system.”
He added that the GMIS is grounded in extensive consultations, including field research, student surveys, and school-level engagement. The findings led to three core insights:
Openness to Change – Madrassah leaders are increasingly eager to introduce subjects like English, Science, and Entrepreneurship.
Bridging Gaps – Support is needed to help students transition into higher education, especially in STEM and technology fields.
Community Voice – The strategy reflects the voices and aspirations of learners, parents, and educators across the country.
President Barrow Reaffirms Commitment
In his keynote address, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive education:
“With the launch of GMIS, we are opening doors of opportunity for thousands of young Gambians. We are sending a clear message: their dreams matter, their efforts count, and their future is a shared national responsibility.”
He thanked development partners, particularly the World Bank, for supporting the strategy’s development through the RISE Project. He also issued a heartfelt call to action:
“I urge all stakeholders to join us in seizing the investment opportunities outlined in GMIS—from infrastructure and teacher training to scholarships and technical assistance.”
President Barrow concluded by commending MoHERST and all collaborators on the strategy’s development:
“You have made us proud. But this is just the beginning. Let us redouble our efforts and turn this vision into reality.”
Delegates at the launch © MoHERST
