Gambia education minister Professor Pierre Gomez to drive vocational training, global partnerships

The Gambia, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, has unveiled transformative plans to close skills gaps and empower the nation’s youth. Speaking at the 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference in Tianjin, China, Gomez shared an inspiring vision centered on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway to economic prosperity.

Reflecting on his journey influenced by South African literature during the apartheid era, Gomez emphasized the power of education as a tool for economic liberation. His strategy includes establishing a higher education trust fund, launching a student loan scheme, and creating a research and innovation fund. These initiatives aim to prepare students for the workforce and equip them to create jobs rather than solely seek employment.

“We want education to empower our youth to be job creators,” Gomez said, stressing the importance of aligning curricula with industry demands.

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The minister also addressed rural-urban migration and youth emigration, advocating for education as a viable alternative to irregular migration. By equipping young people with the skills to thrive locally, Gomez believes The Gambia can foster a generation of nation-builders.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of this vision, with Gomez championing public-private partnerships and international alliances with countries like South Africa and Nigeria. He also expressed admiration for China’s economic transformation, attributing its success to strategic investments in education.

Looking ahead, Gomez envisions The Gambia as a regional leader in education, working within frameworks like BRICS to facilitate growth and innovation. He concluded with a call for unity across Africa, highlighting the continent’s potential to thrive through collective investment in education.

This ambitious plan signals a new era for The Gambia, where education becomes a catalyst for national and regional development.