The parliament recently ratifies a loan agreement of US$ 16 million for the construction of the second phase of the University of the Gambia (UTG) Faraba Banta Campus.
The stated amount will cover the construction of UTG Chancery, the Faculty of Law and the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. The university will sit on 80ha of piece of land while the project comprises the construction of a 74,973m2 campus.
The ratification followed an agreement between the Republic of The Gambia and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa. Additionally, the construction works are anticipated to complete within two years.
Significance of construction of the University of the Gambia (UTG) Faraba Banta Campus
Importantly, its completion is expected to greatly heighten the conducive learning environment desirable for the students and staff members. Once completed, the university will be growing its local ability to the highest possible level. These levels include post-graduate programmes up to PhD level.
The project targets to secure 1600 additional study seats to meet the increasing demand for university education. Additionally, the project will contribute towards achieving the country’s future desires of specialized scientific cadres in various fields.
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Importantly, the project’s objectives further target meeting the rising needs of the country in the labour market. The university will support economic and social development and contribute to alleviating poverty in the country.
Additionally, the university will increase the number of skilled and qualified specialists entering the workforce. This will afford the Gambian economy a fresh lease of life, reigniting public and private sector institutions around the country.
Through promoting technology and research, the university will nurture a new generation of informed students. Additionally, this will enable the Gambian economy to become more connected and efficient with digital age developments.