The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has inaugurated the Engineering Sector Engagement Panel under the Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACE) Innovate initiative. The ceremony took place at the MoHERST Conference Room and brought together leading stakeholders from the energy, architecture and built environment, and digital technologies engineering sub-sectors.
The Panel is designed to strengthen collaboration and guide the development of strategic interventions aimed at advancing engineering education and skills development in The Gambia.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez, emphasized the importance of aligning technical and engineering training with national development priorities and labour market demands. He explained that the ACE Innovate initiative builds on the achievements of the ACE Impact Project, which supported the establishment and growth of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET).
MoHERST presented the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Panel, outlining its mandate to coordinate sector engagement, strengthen partnerships, and support policy direction for engineering education, innovation, and skills development.
USET also delivered a presentation on the draft Expression of Interest for the Joint ACE Emerging Centre and Regional Flagship TVET Institute submission. The proposal seeks to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) capacity while promoting regional competitiveness in engineering and applied sciences.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions on implementation strategies, institutional collaboration, and sustainability of the proposed initiatives.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of MoHERST, Ms. Isatou Auber, stressed the importance of continued coordination and timely implementation of agreed action points to ensure the success of the initiative.
MoHERST reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening engineering education and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships under the ACE Innovate programme.
