The United States Embassy in Banjul on Wednesday 16th September, 2009 extended largesse to the University of the Gambia (UTG) by donating educational materials, mainly books at a presentation ceremony held at the UTG Vice Chancellor’s office in Brikama, Gambia College.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the United States Ambassador to The Gambia, Mr. Barry Wells expressed delight at the gesture, while congratulating the President for his foresight in creating the University of The Gambia.

According to the US diplomat, education is a prerequisite to national development, noting that an educated population is a wealthy nation. He cited the Ambassador Girls Scholarship Programme as a clear testimony of the US Embassy’s commitment to the development and promotion of education.

Ambassador Wells stated that the donation is timely and would go a long way towards helping students in their research works.

For his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Professor Muhammed Kah, said the UTG which was established ten years ago has now graduated more than 600 young Gambian in different field of studies. He noted that most of these graduates are now serving in different capacities, while others are pursing their Masters and PhD.

According to Vice Chancellor Kah, UTG will continue to inculcate required skills and knowledge so as to meet the growing demands of the market. He revealed that higher education is the corner stone to national development, adding that they would do all they can to strengthen University Education in The Gambia.

Kah commended the US Embassy for their timely donation, while assuring them that the donated items would be put to good use. Professor Kah also urged the US Embassy to help them forge international links with other colleges and universities in the United States.

Ms. Isatou Njie-Sanyang, the Librarian of the UTG expressed joy at the gesture, describing it as timely.