The University of the Gambia Medical Students' Association (UniGaMSA), on Saturday 10th July sworn in its new executive council at a ceremony held at the School of Nursing auditorium hall, in Banjul.
 
speaking at the ceremony, Momodou A.I Tekanyi, chairman of the IEC said that it is indeed very magnificent in the sense that it marks a great transition and the beginning of yet another mysterious journey to be taken by a group of determined and courageous men and women whom despite knowledge of the challenges that lies ahead, are fully ready to sacrifice their time in serving the membership of this noble association of ours.

He added the associations/organizations indeed have very crucial roles to play in shaping and nurturing students' life. According to him, for it enhances campus life and unifies students thus narrowing their path to the attainment of their most awaited goals and this can only be achieved when those bodies are being headed by experienced and visionary leaders whom are cognizant of the problems that face them as an association and are ready to strategize means of surmounting them no matter how challenging they may be for the betterment of its membership.

He therefore calls for a collaborative work between the executive body, the university administration and the membership to enhance its happening. Adding that it is through this collectivity that much would be done as they have seen what has been joyfully registered since formation of this association back in 2004. He advised (the In-coming executive) that their predecessors are and would always be their closest advisors whom they should always consult for support whenever the need arises.

He revealed that the out-going executive, remember that the formation of this association was like the beginning of a marathon race and it is indeed a race that is never ended. Hence, they should always have in mind that a little have been done and much is expected for which they should therefore see the in-coming executive as a group in your footsteps, dearly in need of your support to help them attain more than that you have achieved. 

Tekanyi urged the general membership that they should all see UniGaMSA as a force formed primarily to fight the challenges we face in order to sustain a better learning environment for us.For his part, Madi Jatta, deputy permanent secretary, ministry of Higher Education Research Science and Technology revealed that what government has done it's the right thing to put in place a medical school where they can produce quality medical doctors for that.
 
He applauded the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh for his continuing support to the medical school. He wished the incoming executive good deliberations in all their endeavors. Jatta urged the incoming executive to follow the footstep of the outgoing executive council because they have delivered to the expectation.

Ousman Bojang, president of University of the Gambia Students' Union (UTGSU) urged association not to relent in their efforts because the public need them. He stated that the outgoing executive has done well noting that the incoming executive should championed the principles that they have work on so as to attain the success. He thanked the outgoing executive for their efforts in accomplishing their aims and objectives during their term in office.

Bojang hope that the new executive would continue to work together with UTGSU to do more for the union. Ousman Jarju, outgoing president of UniGaMSA said that it was a very difficult challenge both physically and mentally because they have gone through many troubles to combat all of them. He expressed their sincere gratitude to the pioneers of this gathering His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh for his concern in building a medical school. He stated that they would not said that they have succeed in leading the students but they have not failed the students adding that at least they have try to achieve the basic things for the students.

Jarju thanked the sponsors in making this day a success and also advised the incoming executive to make sure that they follow the projects that are yet to be achieved and they have make recommendations and key among them would be collaborative work with their sister institutions and also with the authorities of school of medicine, UTG, authorities, government and also other sister institutions.

According to him, lot of discussion and a lot of actions were been taken during the process were geared towards common good. Ousman Jarju urged the new leaders to be flexible and more accommodating in order to strive to take the union to higher heights.
 
For his part, Abdoulie Bah, incoming president of UniGaMSA revealed that this day mark an important history in the association of UniGaMSA. He thanked the members of the IEC in conducting a free and fair election without any promotion. He went on to inform the dignitaries that they would soon knock on at their doors for advices, support and collaboration to see the association as well as the medical school through. According to him, they would do all they can to make sure that the new executive is up to expectations. He urged the members to also attend meetings and other functions when the associations needs them. 

At the end of the ceremony, certificates were awarded to the outgoing executive whilst the 6th incoming executive council sworn into office and by exchanging files.