The Science Students and Social Science and Humanities Students’ Associations of the University of The Gambia, are bracing up for a 10-day nationwide tour to sensitise students in the upcountries on the importance of university education, and in particular the sciences. This forms part of their effort to complement the declaration made by the Gambian leader and chancellor of the University of The Gambia, who made 2012 as “Year of Science and Technology, and Innovation.”

The tour, which will be conducted from the 18th to the 27th June, on the theme, “The importance of university education and sciences in particular”, is made possible due to the generosity extended to the two associations by the Gambian leader.

Speaking at a press conference held at the UTG Students’ Union secretariat in Brikama, the conference and audience committee chairperson, Abdou Kabir Daffeh, described the tour as very important, in that it will avail them the opportunity to discuss with students in the provinces issues surrounding university education. According to him, they will also embark on community servicesduring the tour.

“We will organise quiz and debate competitions during which students can benefit a lot,” he said, while indicating that the UTG students’ associations are committed to contribute their quota to national development, particularly in the education sector. He thanked the Gambian leader for his support, while calling on the general public to support this laudable initiative.

The president of Science Students’ Association, Buba Tamba, harped on the importance and role of science in any national development, stressing that the nation needs more doctors and engineers in her development pursuit. He stressed that given the low performance of students in science subjects in the interior of the country, there is the need for urgent intervention to improve the situation, thus justifying their initiative. “The UTG is for every potential Gambian who gets the requirements to come to the university,” Tamba indicated.