By Fatoumatta Sillah
The Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Professor Herbert Robinson, says the university’s ongoing reforms are delivering measurable improvements in quality, access, and institutional performance as UTG held its 18th Convocation Ceremony at the Faraba Banta Campus on 2 May 2026.
Speaking during the ceremony, Professor Robinson said the university’s “Quality First” agenda introduced in 2022 has guided major transformations across teaching, learning, research, and administration, anchored on six strategic priorities including student experience, staff development, i nfrastructure, performance management, sustainable financing, and stakeholder engagement.
He said UTG has recorded significant growth in student enrolment, rising from 6,526 to 8,296 within four years, while improving academic support systems such as tutorials, orientation programmes, and international exchange opportunities.
According to him, 56 students participated in Erasmus+ exchanges across Europe, while over 300 students benefited from internships, career placements, and entrepreneurship initiatives supported by development partners.
On staff development, Professor Robinson said the university has invested heavily in human capital, with 138 academic staff promoted between 2022 and 2025, alongside several PhD and postgraduate training opportunities both locally and internationally.
He also highlighted improvements in infrastructure at the Faraba Banta Campus, noting that the completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 has expanded teaching space, laboratories, and administrative facilities, while digital systems have been strengthened to support blended learning.
Professor Robinson further stated that UTG has mobilised over D200 million in research and consultancy income over the period, reducing reliance on government funding and strengthening financial sustainability.
He said reforms in performance management and stakeholder engagement are also helping to align university operations with national development priorities.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the 2025 graduating class of 1,633 students represents the largest in the university’s history, describing it as evidence of UTG’s expanding role in producing skilled graduates for national development.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening teaching quality, expanding research capacity, and deepening partnerships to position UTG as a regional centre of excellence.
