A  batch of 12 medical students at the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences of the University of The Gambia who sat to the qualifying examinations for the award of bachelor degrees in Medicine and Surgery have all registered 100 per cent passes, Daily Observer can reveal.

Dr Ousman Nyang, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia disclosed this to the Daily Observer  at a ceremony held at the  RVTH.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor EQ Archampong, University of Ghana, said the performance of the 12 medical students was extremely solid. He urged them to tackle the challenges ahead and lauded the students for their remarkable achievements.

“It is an important occasion because among ourselves, I can see the future teachers of science in this country. It is welcome news for a country to register 100 per cent pass mark,” he said.

Professor Sering Abdou Bah of Sheikh Anta Diop expressed similar sentiments adding that they should live up to expectations.

For his part, Professor L. Osei, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, revealed that these students have pass marks that are internationally recognised.

“However, this should not be seen as an excuse to leave your country and work abroad. Stay in your country and help your fellow country men and women in the health sector,” he advised.

In her remarks,Dr Mariatou Jallow, Chief Medical Director, RVTH commended the students for the outstanding performance.

She then congratulated President Yahya Jammeh for his foresight and visionary leadership in building structures for young people to read and qualify in their own soil.

“You are the hopes of our country in  providing quality healthcare services. A word for the wise is enough,” she said.

Others speakers at the ceremony included Professor EA Agbakwuru, Ile Ife University, Nigeria; J Macdermet, Imperial College,UK; Professor Masserigne Soumare, Fann Hospital, Dakar Senegal and Carlos Salsamendi, Cuban Ambassador to The Gambia.

Dr Nyang, who chaired the ceremony, emphasised that the examination was conducted by internal examiners from the UTG alongside a group of external examiners drawn from the sub-region.