Gambia Launches Madrassah Education Integration Strategy

The Barrow administration on Tuesday officially launched the Gambia Madrassah Integration Strategy (GMIS).

The groundbreaking initiative seeks to mainstream Madrassah education into the country’s broader development agenda, ensuring that graduates of Islamic schools have equal access to tertiary education and career opportunities.

The GMIS marks a significant policy shift, aligning with the government’s broader goal of creating a more equitable and holistic education system.

It aims to equip Madrassah students with the skills, qualifications, and exposure needed to succeed in various professional fields, from science and technology to public service and entrepreneurship.

“This is a milestone that reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusive and equitable education,” said President Adama Barrow during the launch event.

“It is about empowering every Gambian, regardless of educational background, to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of our nation.”

President Barrow did not shy away from addressing the stark challenges Madrassah students face, particularly when attempting to transition into post-secondary institutions.

He expressed serious concern over these barriers and called for immediate action to close the gap.

“I am deeply concerned about the difficulties our Madrassah students encounter, especially in gaining access to higher education,” he stated. “There is a need for stronger efforts to address these inequalities.”

The president emphasized the importance of investment across multiple fronts, urging stakeholders and development partners to support the initiative.

“We must act now to realise the full potential of this strategy—by investing in infrastructure, training teachers, offering scholarships, and providing technical assistance,” he said.

With this strategy, the government hopes to unlock the potential of thousands of Gambian youths who have historically been sidelined from mainstream education systems.

The GMIS is expected to be a game-changer in integrating traditional Islamic learning with national development efforts.