1. PROF. SIDAT YAFFA REVEALS PLANS ON CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION IN THE GAMBIA
The Lead Investigator of the RECC-LUM project in the Gambia, Professor Sidat Yaffa who doubles as the Director of UTG/WASCAL reveals plans to start a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree on Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the university of Gambia. He said if approved by the Senate, the program will begin September 2025 likewise the MSc programme on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Land Use. The two programs, Prof Yaffa emphasized will fulfill the circle of Climate Change education in The Gambia. The PhD on Climate Change and Education is currently ongoing under the UTG/WASCAL Research program and hopefully the MSc Curriculum will be approved by Senate, Prof. Yaffa added.
2. UTG DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR REACTS TO MSc CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
Professor Kayode Adekeye, Vice Chancellor of The Gambia UTG (Teaching & Learning) has underscored the importance of capacity building towards mitigation the impact of Climate Change on socioeconomic activities of the people. He said he improved knowledge and skills will provide innovative solutions to climate change. He was speaking at the Expert consultative meeting on the development of Master of Science (MSc) Curriculum for the UTG. The MSc is focused on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Land Use under the auspices of the RECC-LUM project. Prof Adekeye said stakeholders contribution will enhance the development process that would result to a robust curriculum addressing the current realities of The Gambia and beyond. The initiative he went on to say will help in the attainment of the university’s vision of promoting equitable and sustainable socio-economic development of communities through relevant, high-quality gender-sensitive teaching, research and outreach programmes. He urged people especially the youth to take up the challenge to be part of the first cohort of students for the MSc programme, while returning gratitude to the RECC-LUM feasibility study for the great initiative.
3. TRADE EXPERT TALKS ON CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION
The Director of Enterprise Support at the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) Madi Kambai, described the MSc curriculum development for the university of The Gambia as “best opportunity for the institution”. Mr Kambai said amid increasing climate vulnerabilities, the only means availability is to enhance the human resource base of the country through knowledge acquisition to adequately mitigate and adapt to climate. The trade expert highlighted the challenges face by smallholder businesses and entrepreneurs due to climate change which he noted needs transformation of ideas to workable solutions for the private sector. He added that the new MSc program if approved by the UTG Senate will help graduates to understand international climate treaties and trade related matters, citing the European Union requirements to trade on goods and products. The consultative meeting was attended by academicians and both the public and private sector.