The foundation stone of the first ever Islamic college in The Gambia, known as the Islamic College of Excellence, was laid on 3 April this year at Siffoe village in the Western Region.

The college, which is being established by Good Citizen Institute in the UK, shall provide Islamic education, technical and professional training, IT training, among others, to the Gambian public.

Speaking at the ceremony, the founder of the institution, Azad Khan, a Pakistani born philanthropist, highlighted the importance of establishing such institution in Africa, particularly in The Gambia.

He said Islamic education is equally important for national development, emphasising that Muslims should obtain not only basic Western education but also moral and spiritual education.

“The Good Citizen Institution (GCI) is established to instil a sense of personal responsibility, good practice and civil values through education,” Mr Khan said, adding that the immediate focus of the college will be to educate Islamic students in The Gambia.

“We are going to educate students not only on Arabic but also on different courses that would help them in their lives,” he said.

The college would be built, with library, hotel, and computer laboratory, he added.

Deputising for the Secretary of State for Religious Affairs, Mrs Mariama Dibba described Mr Khan (the founder), as a real ‘mujahadeen’ and helper of poor and needy people, “who is always delighted in helping Muslims”.

“I think this college will help a lot in the Islamic religion in The Gambia. I want to urge Gambians and the people of Siffoe to make best use of the college,” she said.

Other speakers on the occasion included the Governor of Western Region, Mr Abdou F. M. Badjie.