Lamine Diack, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Professor Andreas Steigen, the outgoing vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UTG), yesterday, paid a courtesy call on the Vice President, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, at her office at State House, Banjul.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his audience with the vice president, Lamine Diack, the IAAF president, who was accompanied to State House by Sheriff Gomez, the secretary of state for Youths and Sports, said his visit was to discuss issues regarding the development of the sports sector from the grassroots level. He proposed that the school syllabus should include the teaching and learning of sports from the lower level to the tertiary level.

Mr Diack added that his intention is to make The Gambia one of the 12 countries in Africa where sports education will be prioritised to enable the country to participate in many international sporting events such as the Olympic games.

He finally thanked President Jammeh and the vice president for receiving him and his delegation. He also expressed hope of a fruitful co-operation.

In a similar engagement, the vice president also received in her office Professor Andreas Steigen, the outgoing vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia.

Professor Steigen told journalists that he went to the vice president’s office to discuss his achievements at the University of The Gambia, as he ends his three-year tour of duty to The Gambia. He added that they also discussed strategies that will be put in place to ensure that every candidate from the University of The Gambia has a job, among other things.

"We also discussed the limitations, the lack of infrastructure, the lack of highly qualified teachers and the lack of funding because it is very expensive to run a university. In The Gambia, we have to develop the necessary approaches," Professor Steigen remarked.

The UTG vice chancellor said they want to ensure that many Gambians have access to the university, stating that the Bridging and Access Programmes are meant for those who do not have the required qualifications.

"One thing I will like to mention here is that the president, Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, the chancellor of the UTG, has been my inspiration and he has been dedicated to the cause of the university. Through my conversations with him, I have learnt how dedicated he is to the country," he revealed.
Professor Steigen also thanked the vice president for her efforts towards national development.
The UTG vice chancellor was accompanied to State House by Professor Ousman Nyan, the deputy vice chancellor and Lamin Jaiteh, the registrar of the UTG.