It was a moment of celebration for parents, management, staff and students of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITToG) as 18 students graduated (the first ever graduation ceremony) having undergone a 10 month intensive course in travel and tourism.

The graduation ceremony took place last Thursday, at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Senegambia. Given his opening statement, Sheikh Tejan Nyang, the head of the school, expressed appreciation with parents of the graduates and all other stakeholders "for having the confidence and belief in the ideals and vision that the noble institute portray."

Mr Nyang noted that over the years, the tourism sector has contributed significantly to the country's economy, both in terms of income and employment generation. This, he noted, is in line with their belief that "staying ahead of competition, ensuring supply of quality human resources are key to success."

The head of the institute declared to the audience that the school course structure is based on the South Nottingham's College curriculum which he said is recognized internationally, and that it is in line with the Gambia Skills Qualification framework, as prescribed by the National Training Authority.

"The institute," Mr Nyang went on, "has developed various links and partnership with universities overseas most of whom use our country as learning centre for tourism, and we will continue to develop this partnership for our mutual benefit."

Lisong Bah, who represented Adama Bah, the Chairman, Board of Directors of the institute, felicitated the 18 graduates. She thanked Nottingham College for their contribution towards the ITToG.

She however reminded the graduating students to ensure utilisation of the knowledge and skill they had acquired "for the betterment of the industry and youselves." "Use your skills to employ yourself, she urged."

Helen Wilcockson, the South Nottingham College's representative to ITToG, challenged the graduating students to endeavour to make out of their profession sustainable and profitable business. "School may be over but the search for education still continues. You must knock on doors until your knuckles bleed," She said.

Alieu Secka, Chairman of Gambia Hotel Association, who served as the guest speaker, urged the graduates to be determined and committed in wherever they do, hence their experience is limited not to what they studied in the classroom alone.

The 18 graduating students were later presented with certificates, with some receiving prices for their performance.

High profile dignitaries were at hand to grace the occasion; they included the Nigerian High Commissioner, representative from the Taiwanese Embassy, and Kaliba Senghore, Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Tourism and Culture. Ngonneh Panneh thanked the audience on behalf of the graduates.