Today marks the 10th anniversary since the first-ever convocation ceremony took place on Gambian soil, on February 16th, 1999, under the auspices of the Saint Mary's University Extension Programme (SMUEP).

One of the first development projects embarked upon by the then Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC), under the dynamic leadership of  the president, Professor Dr Alhaji Yahya AJJ Jammeh, The SMUEP served as a precusor for the establishment of what would become the University of The Gambia.

According to the chairman of the alumni, Momodou Sabally, this is an innovative programme undertaken by The Gambia government in cooperation with Saint Mary's University (Canada) and the Nova Scotia - Gambia Association, which saw Gambians went through intensive courses conducted by Canadian and Gambian lecturers towards the attainment of their first degrees in different disciplines. 63 graduands were awarded Bachelors degrees, and an Honorary Doctorate degree in  Civil Laws was confered on the Gambian leader himself.

Various alumni of this institution have since achieved postgraduate and doctorate  degrees in various fields, hence highlighting this significant achievement and thoughtful vision. These UEP graduates are in charge of senior and key decision-making positions in government and the private sector, for instance, in places such as GIA, GPA, GRTS, GAMTEL, the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, GRA, NAWEC, the banking industry, Education, Office of the President and National Security, amongst others. To mark this event, the alumni of this institution have formed an organizing committee whose tasks, amongst others, will include raising funds to be donated towards educational and other worthy courses in The Gambia.

On this historic day, the committee cannot but express profound gratitude on behalf of the entire alumni, to Professor Dr Alhaji Yahya AJJ Jammeh for his vision of bringing university education, for the first time in the history of the country, to the door steps of Gambians. The alumni thanked the entire government and people of The Gambia for the support and encouragement that saw through what was then seen as "Jaangi Jolof".