The Executive members of the National Union of Gambia Students (NUGS), on Saturday, handed over authority to the incoming executive at a ceremony held at the Joint Officers Mess in Kotu.

NUGS was formed in 2005, with the mandate to cater for the welfare of the students in The Gambia and to maintain all students under an umbrella of unionism with total commitment towards national developments.

In his remarks, Ebrima Sanneh, UTG’s outgoing president of NUGS, outlined the vitality of the role of NUGS in national development and urges the incoming executive to keep up the momentum as NUGS cannot work alone and that it must find its potentials to the final destination, with hardwork, dedication and respect.

He highlighted some of the significant achievements undertaken by NUGS under his leadership such as the award presented by NUGS to President Jammeh. “We cannot stand alone, we need partnership but we must thank the department of state for education and the national training authority for their support to NUGS since its inception in 2005,” he said.        
                                                  
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing secretary general of NUGS, Bakary Badjie of Gambia College, commended the outgoing executive for the tireless efforts they rendered during their tenure.  He urged the new executive body to maintain the good relation with the National Patriotic Students Association NAPSA. “We are not at loggerheads with NAPSA, we are enjoying a fruitful relationship with NAPSA as partners in nation building and we must remain partners for the welfare of the entire Gambian students,” he disclosed.  

Deputising for the secretary of state for Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, Musa I Touray also commended NUGS for its outstanding contribution to the development of the educational sector. He then urged the incoming executive to emulate their predecessors. He further advised them to desist from vandalism as this may deter their participation to national development.

For his part, Seedy S Njie, the nominated National Assembly member, also seized the opportunity to call on NUGS to remain diligent and hardworking. He implored the incoming executive to serve with intellectual diligence for the interest of the nation, noting that this could be more meaningful than personal interest.

Other speakers included Janko Kurubally, the former President of the Gambia Students Union (GAMSU), Lamin S Bah, outgoing financial secretary, Saloum Ceesay the outgoing auditor general and Ousman Badjie, who delivered the vote of thanks.
The included the award of certificates to the outgoing members and handing over of files to the incoming executive.