The launch of the Taiwanese Scholarship for the 2007/2008 academic year was held recently at the University of The Gambia administration building in Kanifing.

The Scholarship aims to assist students in their quest for academic excellence. This assistance took the form of a donation and five computers, along with and a cheque for $6,000, were handed over to the Vice-chancellor of the University.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Vice-chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Professor Dr Andreas Steigan, said the strong affection for education which the donation and scholarship represents has been consistent throughout the years. He added that the scholarship would go a long way towards helping not only Gambian students, but also the nation as a whole.

Professor Steigan went on to thank the Taiwanese Ambassador, Dr Patrick Chang, for the wonderful support they are giving the University. He added that computers are very important, not only for students but for researchers as well.

In handing over the cheque to the Vice-Chancellor, the Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia Dr Patrick Chang, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his good work. He said the University of The Gambia, under the leadership of President Jammeh, has achieved a lot. Dr Chang went on to explain that a lot of Gambian students further their education in Taiwan.

He emphasised the importance of computers to both researchers and students and said that the donation would help with this process.

Other speakers, including University staff, expressed similar sentiments. The vote of thanks was given by Fatou Mbye, Department of Social Sciences at the University of The Gambia.