University of The Gambia Invests D43 Million in Research

The management of University of The Gambia has invested forty-three million dalasi in research which is being done by lecturers this year.

Deputy vice chancellor of academics of the University of The Gambia (UTG), Professor Pierre Gomze, revealed this during the official opening ceremony of the UTG Directorate of Research and Consultancy complex at Kanifing.

He said the main goal of establishing the research center is to coordinate research activities of the university through a well-structured governance framework.

Speaking at the ceremony, held at the university research complex, professor Gomze said university is an institution that teaches people and communities and it also serves as a place where people do research.

Gomez said UTG supported lecturers to embark on research which goes with checks and balances adding that the establishment of the directorate of research and consultancy by the university management is a great response that will enable academic research in the Gambia.

Professor Gomze said with regard to consultancy, the university is receiving millions which will be of great support to the school and its lecturers, saying the millions that are generated from the consultancy will be ploughed back in the promotion and development of research in the country.

Director of research and consultancy UTG, Dr Muhammed Sanyang, said their research is not only meant for research’s sake, but for national development through improving livelihoods.

Sanyang called on the government to promote, invest and support university research at all levels as that will contribute to national development.

He argued that if policies are not informed through research but based on predictions, then change and development will not be realized.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia Professor Muhammed Faqir Anjum, said research has ever been a central agenda in university, saying this is because no higher institution of learning can be successful in knowledge preservation and transmission without its faculty staff engaging in research.

He added that the importance of research for a university cannot be overemphasized, noting that it is through research new discoveries are made as well as new technologies and ideas are developed for the good of the society.