As part of its commitment to broaden the intellectual landscape of the country, so as to engender knowledge-based approach to development, the University of The Gambia, last Friday held its second annual Chancellor’s Lecture Series.

The lecture was followed by a dinner, convened in honour of the 2009 graduating class. Both occasions were held at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi. This year’s lecture, centred on the theme: "Education and preparation for good citizenship," was delivered by the United States ambassador to The Gambia, Barry Walls. Delivering the welcome remarks, the  acting vice chancellor of the UTG, Associate Professor Ousman Nyan, underscored the crucial role of the university in shaping the attitude of people to becoming good citizens. He called on the audience to digest what they have learned from the lecture so that they can exteriorize the knowledge into the practical realities of their daily lives.  

The guest lecturer, US ambassador to The Gambia, Barry Wells, recalled the fact that UTG was established only 8 years ago, and that it has already graduated hundreds of "young men and women who will go on to become doctors, lawyers, officers, professors, artists and future leaders of the country." He stressed that the government of The Gambia should be commended for investing in its people and for ensuring the provision of high quality university education to its citizenry. He added that making a declaration to the world that The Gambia upholds the impportance of education is a clear reflection of President Jammeh’s commitment to the future of the country.

Ambassador Wells further advised the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the country. "The value of education is priceless. You have equipped yourselves with the tools and skills needed to become meaningful contributors to society, he remarked. He also spoked at length about the civil rights movement in America and how it contributed  to the shaping of Obama’s future.

The programme was also marked by awarding of certificates to deserving individuals and institutions, as a symbol of appreciation and recognition of their tremendous support to the university. Among these were the Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, His Excellency, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. A gift was also presented to Ambassador Wells for his unflinching support to the university. The occasion was graced by students of the 2009 graduating class, senior government officials, diplomats and a cross section of The Gambian community.