The University of The Gambia (UTG), the country’s highest institution of learning, has witnessed its 9th matriculation ceremony.

The event, which was held yesterday, at the Faculty Building of the university, saw more than 600 students from the various departments of the institution formerly being admitted into the university as bona fide members. Addressing the gathering, the acting vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Associate Professor Ousman Nyan, welcomed the new students into the sisterhood and fraternity of elders of UTG.

He cited the founding and training offered at the institution as significant for our national development. He went on to draw the attention of the students on the challenges that lied ahead of them, advising them to take their work seriously. He also urged them to make best use of ICT as university students. He then added that there are literally many free libraries and journals available on the internet, as their interest to this important learning tool will be of paramount importance to their studies.

Professor Nyan used the occasion to thank parents of the students for their effort in guiding and giving the necessary support to their children through their academic and professional careers from basic, right through higher education. He also recognised the crucial support given to higher education by the Government of the Gambia, under the visionary leadership of Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, who is also the chancellor of UTG.

The ceremony was attended by the acting deputy vice chancellor, the university registrar, lecturers and the ex-students of the UTG.