Pic: His Excellency Mohammed BS Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia with IOU Founder-Chancellor Prof Dr Bilal Philips, Dr Cherno Omar Barry, incoming Vice-Chancellor Dr. Makei Taal and officials

Pics courtesy: Office of the Vice President - The Gambia

His Excellency Mohammed BS Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia, was awarded an Honoris Causa Doctorate in Philosophy of Education by the International Open University.

The award was presented during a special ceremony at the Vice President’s conference room at the State House, as a testament to His Excellency's outstanding contributions to the development of education in the country, implementation of key national education policies, fostering cross-border cooperation in education, and championing equitable learning opportunities for all.

The honorary doctorate was officially conferred during the 11th IOU Convocation Ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, Jama Hall. In his acceptance speech read on his behalf by Honourable Babucarr Ousmiala Joof, the minister for Trade, Regional Integration, Industry and Employment, VP Jallow expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition, stating:

"Standing here today, I am deeply humbled and honored to accept the Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa. This recognition is not merely a personal milestone but a tribute to all those who have dedicated themselves to advancing education and shaping future generations. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and the leadership of IOU for bestowing this esteemed honor upon me. I dedicate this recognition to educators, mentors, and students who tirelessly strive for academic excellence and the betterment of humanity. May this honor serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to make education a beacon of hope, empowerment, and transformation."

The conferment of this honorary doctorate reaffirms IOU’s commitment to recognizing exemplary leadership in education and governance. It further highlights the university’s mission of advancing knowledge, fostering global education accessibility, and nurturing individuals who drive transformative change.