Alieu K Jarju, Head of the Information Technology unit at the Management Development Institute (MDI), has now been appointed as the Acting Director General of the institute replacing Juka Jabang who recently got an international appointment with African Development Bank (ADB).

Mr Jarju was the Deputy Director General and Head of Computer Department before his new appointment as Acting Director General of the Institute. His appointment will also see him serve in the University of The Gambia Senate.

Mr Jarju has been running Communication Technology and other ICT related courses at the UTG. He is currently planning to pursue his PhD in E-learning at Assumption University in Thailand.

Mr Jarnu has been running communication technology and other ICT related courses at the UTG. He is a computer statistician by profession. His areas of specialization are in E- learning with a specialist emphasis on computer system management. He obtained MSc in Information and Knowledge Management from Lough Brough University UK. He has also secured Diploma and other certificates.

Commenting on the appointment of Alieu Jarju, Benedict Jammeh, Inspector General of Police said: “I am delighted for his appointment. He is fit for the postion he lectured me on IT when I was a student at MDI. He referred to Mr Jarju as an exemplary person who has devoted most of his time on training people. Katim Touray, Managing Director of Gamtel, pointed out that Mr Jarju deserves his new appointment. He said he knew Mr Jarju when he was doing his Masters Degree in Information Technology in the United Kingdom.

He added that Mr Jarju has a good public relation and has encouraged many Gambians who were studying in UK to come home for national development. “Jarju is very committed to his work and I know he will live up to expectations. 

Also speaking on Mr Jarju’s appointment is Alieu Darboe of ActionAid described Mr Jarju as a dedicated person and a wonderful member of the MDI Community, he supports the positive development of MDI as an institution and the students in particular. He pointed out that the welfare of students is his priority therefore congratulated him on his new job.

Dr Tamsir Mbowe, Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare said, “I know AK Jarju as a journalist way back in our school days at Muslim High School. He is a hardworking, determine gentleman who can drain water from a rock. I believed that he will improve on lots of things at MDI as I have no doubt on his capability and ability to manage MDI”.

SoS Mbowe said with the coming of Mr Jarju as Acting Director General, there will be mass improvement and hopefully all Gambians will benefit from his appointment. “Jarju,” he added, “if given the maximum support by the staff of MDI, I am sure he will deliver. I was very pleased when I heard of his appointment”.

Muhammad Jah, Managing Director of QuantumNet said, Mr Jarju has the qualifications to manage MDI, as he has the right mindset and he is fit for the post.

Gibril Chorr, Managing Director Quantum Associates said, “ I know Jarju as a man of integrity. He has made the pursuit of knowledge a passion and I am convinced that this opportunity will benefit himself, MDI and the country. My expectations of him are very high but I believed he will measure up to expectations”.

Dr Sasi Ndure, Coordinator of Management Development Studies, also acknowledged the competence of Mr Jarju. He said all what they need is to give support to him, so that he will be able to transform MDI into a better learning centre, can be achieved. He noted that human capacity building programme that MDI is involved in will help the country’s human resource development which is in line with Vision 2020.

Juka Jabang, ex-Director General of MDI said, “I think he deserve it. He has been a very hardworking officer even well before we meet at MDI. He works with me at Statistic, he is competent and has the knowledge to manage MDI. I believed he can take care of the management of MDI as he has been working there for a long time. I know he will get the cooperation of the staff.”

Lamin Sam Jaiteh, Registrar at UTG, said Mr Jarju is suited for the job as he was assisting the former DG on the management of MDI. “His qualifications and competency cannot be questioned. He has good human approach and a close relation with the sister institutions in development. He is a person that advocates for the capacity building of the people which is of national interest. He is a person who one can built an absolute trust in.”

Dr Modou Jean said, “Well, as you know we are trying to move and integrate all tertiary institutions to be part of the UTG and he has been very effective, supportive and hardworking. He is helpful to the university and is an excellent person who has been so cooperative. He has worked relentlessly with all other institutions.

He gave us more classrooms at MDI and I think if he is assisted by the staff of MDI, he will definitely turn MDI to higher heights.  He is a person that has the welfare of the people at heart and has concerns for students who are pursuing various courses.”