Authorities at the University of The Gambia (UTG) and St Mary's College of Maryland, USA, yesterday, signed a five-year cooperation agreement, aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the two institutions.

The landmark agreement was at a short ceremony held at the Office of the Vice Chancellor of the UTG, on MDI Road, Kanifing.

The agreement centres on student and faculty exchange programmes, peace, cultural exchanges, and selected contact persons between the two institutions, amongst others.
Speaking shortly after signing the ceremony, Professor Andreas Steigen, the outgoing vice-chancellor of country's highest institution of learning, said the agreement would open greater collaborations and further cement the already existing relationship between the two  institutions.

However, the vice-chancellor hastened to state that his institution would not go into many more agreements of this nature, because, according to him, the UTG does not have the capacity to deliver as they might want it.

"The University of The Gambia wants good partnership, and as such we have to invest in such  partnerships. But in the future, we look for more cooperation," Professor Steigen said, while commending St Mary's College for bestowing "trust and confidence" in them.
For his part, Professor Salvatore M Meringolo, the vice-president for Development at St Mary's College of Maryland, described the move as another step that would ensure greater collaboration between the two institutions.

Prof Meringolo informed his Gambian counterparts of his college's adoption of a new curriculum, introduced last year, which he said outlines a requirement for all the college students to have overseas academic experience.

"We fully expect that 80 per cent of our students will pursue the international experience when this programme begins implementation," he said, further disclosing that the UTG is among three other universities that they have built relationships with as part of their international education programme.

Mark Heidrich, the assistant vice-president for Academic Administration at St Mary's College, expressed similar sentiments, noting that the cultural aspect of the agreement would pay much dividend.

Professor Femi Ojo Ade, a professor emeritus of French and History at St Mary's College and Dr Pierre Gomez, a senior lecturer at UTG, welcomed the cooperation agreement.
Mr Baboucarr Njie, the principal assistant registrar, who is also overseeing the International Affairs Office at the UTG, delivered the vote of thanks.

Mr  Njie disclosed that the cooperation agreement was a manifestation of the trust and confidence bestowed on the UTG by the St Mary's College of Maryland.
Mr Lamin Sam Jaiteh, the UTG registrar, moderated the signing ceremony.