The IOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Makie Taal met with Br. Arssante Malone, an invited education specialist, to discuss opportunities for strengthening educational pathways for students from Gambian madrasas and students seeking entry into law, as well as advancing teacher development initiatives. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad and members of Senior Management.

Br. Arssante Malone is a seasoned educator and instructional leader with over 13 years of experience in education and 10 years in leadership. He has worked across academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community-based initiatives, focusing on curriculum development, teacher training, and the creation of culturally responsive and transformative learning environments.

The meeting focused on bridging opportunities for students requiring additional English language preparation before entering degree programs, as well as professional development pathways for Arabic teachers, with emphasis on improving English competencies and promoting equitable career progression.

Discussions centred on strengthening pathways for students from both madrasa and conventional secondary education systems, including those seeking access to higher education programs such as university studies and the School of Law.

Key emphasis was placed on the revival and restructuring of an English Proficiency Program, transitioning from a fully online model to a hybrid delivery system combining online and face-to-face instruction to improve learning support and outcomes.

The meeting also highlighted bridging pathways, curriculum alignment, accreditation requirements, and quality assurance standards to support effective implementation and sustainability.

The session concluded with a shared commitment to advancing inclusive educational initiatives that expand access to higher education and strengthen teaching capacity across multiple academic pathways.