Pic : The newly commissioned Brikama Campus of The Gambia University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), where the historic graduation of the country’s first cohort of home-trained engineers took place.

The International Open University (IOU) proudly participated in the landmark Convocation and Commissioning Ceremony of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) Brikama Campus, an event hailed as a turning point in The Gambia’s pursuit of self-reliance in engineering and technical education.

Representing the IOU Vice Chancellor, Professor Makie Taal, the university’s Director of Operations, Mr. Kebba Jaiteh, attended both the convocation lecture and the graduation ceremony held on the 19th and 21st of June 2025 respectively.

The two-day academic and ceremonial gathering witnessed USET’s conferment of Certificates, Diplomas, and Higher National Diplomas to its first batch of home-trained engineers and technologists, graduates from the Institute of Technical Training and the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The event was graced by the Chancellor of USET, His Excellency President Adama Barrow, alongside senior government officials, international academic partners including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology of Ghana and De’Montfort University of the United Kingdom, as well as leading Gambian entrepreneur Mr. Mustapha Njie of Taf Africa Global, who delivered a compelling convocation lecture on the theme: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Nation Building.

Speaking after the event at an informal level, Mr. Jaiteh described the occasion as a “transformational milestone for The Gambia’s higher education system,” emphasizing the strategic role USET plays in producing skilled professionals and expanding the nation’s scientific and technological base.

He further conveyed IOU’s heartfelt congratulations and institutional solidarity to USET, expressing optimism about future collaboration in the areas of e-learning, curriculum development, and academic quality assurance.

Mr. Jaiteh also noted that the newly commissioned facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops, stand as a testament to the impact of strong public-private- international partnerships in advancing tertiary education.

The International Open University remains committed to supporting national development goals and forging strategic relationships that strengthen academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive access to higher education across The Gambia and beyond.