The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga has met with The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez to explore areas of collaboration in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for students from The Gambia.
The high-level talks, held in The Gambia on Monday, 8th September 2025, focused on developing MoUs between HTU and The Gambia to enable Gambian students to pursue higher education in the TVET areas such as Fashion Design and Textiles, Information and Communication Technology, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Biomedical Engineering and other areas in HTU.
The discussions also explored faculty exchange programmes, research collaborations, and initiatives to strengthen TVET institutions in The Gambia.
Prof. Honyenuga emphasised that partnerships like this are vital for equipping African nations with the skilled workforce required to meet emerging economic challenges.
“Technical and vocational education is at the heart of industrial growth and sustainable development. By working together, the two parties can create a network of excellence that empowers young people to innovate, build, and lead in their respective industries, he said”
The Gambian Minister described the collaboration as timely and transformative, remarking how the collaboration aligns closely with the Ministry’s efforts to expand access to quality education and modern training for especially the youth in the Gambia.
“This partnership between us represents an important milestone for especially, the Gambia as it provides a pathway for our citizens to gain advanced technical skills and knowledge while building stronger educational ties within the West African sub-region, the Minister added.
This initiative reflects the broader vision shared by both countries of leveraging education as a driver for innovation, skill development for youth empowerment, and sustainable growth.
When signed, the MoU would lay a foundation for a long-term partnership that will open new opportunities for collaboration between institutions, educators, and policymakers across both nations.
Prof. Gomez expressed his gratitude to Prof. Honyenuga and HTU for the steps taken and interest shown in supporting the skill development of The Gambian youth.
Further to the courtesy call on the Hon.Minister, the VC also called on the Gambian CEO of NAQAA to hold discussions towards ensuring mutual standards and qualification schemes for TVET programmes offered in HTU and similar institutions in The Gambia which is necessary for student exchange between TVET institutions in the Gambia and HTU.
The Vice-Chancellor-Chancellor was accompanied by the Registrar, Dr. Christopher K. Amehoe.