Pic: IOU DVC (Academics) Prof. Dr. Aliyu Dahiru with IOU officials, local representatives and guests at the launch of the IOU 1MAS Center SCEA, Soma, The Gambia

The International Open University (IOU) 1MAS Center, Soma officially launched its Climate and Environmental Association (SCEA) on 11 July 2026. The event marked a significant milestone in promoting environmental sustainability and climate awareness among students and the wider community.

The launch ceremony was graced by the following distinguished guests:

• Prof. Aliyu Dahiru, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), International Open University
• Mr. Kebbah Jaiteh, Director of Operations, International Open University
• Representative of the Mansakonko Area Council
• The Paramount Chief
• Representatives of the Lower River Region (LRR) Education Directorate
• Mr. Baboucarr Gaye, Centre Manager, IOU Basse Learning Center
• Members of the IOU Kanifing Student Committee
• Students, staff, and invited guests

The program commenced with an opening prayer led by Br. Samba Saine.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Directorate, Mr. Kebbeh, Human Resource Officer, congratulated the members of the SCEA for taking this commendable initiative. He encouraged them to remain committed to their objectives and assured them of the Directorate's support in promoting environmental conservation activities.

The representative of the Mansakonko Area Council emphasized the importance of establishing environmental clubs and commended the IOU 1MAS Center, Soma for the initiative. He assured the association that the Area Council's doors would always remain open and expressed the Council's willingness to work closely with the association in future environmental programmes.

Mr. Kebbah Jaiteh, Chairman of the Soma Student Committee, congratulated the association and praised its members for taking such an important step towards environmental protection.

The President of the SCEA, Mr. Ebrima Saydyleigh, welcomed all the distinguished guests and thanked them for honoring the association's invitation. He encouraged members of the association to lead by example and remain committed to protecting the environment.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aliyu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the importance of making our environment greener through collective action and innovative initiatives. He encouraged the association to introduce programs that would positively impact the environment and officially declared the Climate and Environmental Association launched. He also called on all IOU students to support the association and commended Br. Samba Saine, Center Manager of the IOU 1MAS Center, Soma, for spearheading this important initiative.

In his keynote remarks, Mr. Kebbah Jaiteh, Director of Operations at IOU Headquarters, expressed his profound appreciation to all the guests and stakeholders who honored the association's invitation. He emphasized the importance of establishing environmental clubs to protect and preserve the environment and thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership. He also extended his appreciation to Br. Samba Saine for his commitment and leadership in making the event a success.

He noted that the launch should not be regarded as the end of an event but rather the beginning of a long-term commitment to environmental protection. He encouraged members of the association to remain focused, dedicated, and continue their excellent work. He concluded by officially recognizing the association and urged all IOU students to continue initiating programs that contribute positively to society.

The launch ceremony concluded with a strong call for everyone to work together in protecting the environment. The key message throughout the event was that we should always lead by example in promoting environmental sustainability and community development.