Nusrat Senior Secondary School in partnership with Africell, yesterday opened a week-long celebration of the Nusrat Science and Technology Week on the theme 'accelerating science and technology" at a ceremony held at the school premises in Bundung.

Speaking at the opening, K.S Bojang, principal of Nusrat High School stated that the importance of such an event cannot be over-emphasised. He stated that the contribution of science to the world today is colossal and immeasurable. He commended Nusrat and Africell for coming up with such an initiative which he added, will surely accelerate science and technology in The Gambia to further move closer to realising the dream of attaining the Silicon Valley.

He congratulated Africell for sponsoring the week long event with D100,000, 300 sim cards and phones among other supportive incentives for the successful hosting of the event.

He then confirmed that the school has now taken up science as a field of study and ICT as a tool for research and development. "The school also provided free internet services to students to further ensure that they have all ICT accessories to their disposal" he said.

For his part, Njundu Fatty, managing director of Lasting Solutions who was the guest speaker, described IT as a very wide and broad area which has all information systems under its umbrella, such as computers, internet, television, radio and mobile phones among others.

He then tagged the area as a growing field in The Gambia which is emerging as a very strong and dynamic force in the country's economy and social sphere.

Examining the importance of  ICT to The Gambia's economy today, Mr Fatty noted that at least four banks have ATM services which are very convenient, along with the advent of internet and SMS banking which are all made possible by ICT systems.

On the telecoms sector, he remarked "we currently have 3 GSM providers who are all making great impacts  the ICT due to the healthy competition existing". He advised students to make use of the available opportunity to develop the necessary IT expertise required for development.

The week long celebration sponsored by Africell will be characterised by debates between various schools, quiz competitions, subject and research presentations by students and a march pass by students.