Higher Education Reforms: A Crux in The Gambia’s National Development Agenda

Abstract

The development of a nation is positively correlated to the human capital in the development sectors, and only the right higher education system can spur such development. Thus, for any nation to rise to the challenges of its development imperatives, it has to have the requisite structures in place for its human capital formation. The Gambia has made numerous attempts to reform its education system, purposely to address its development challenges but policy implementation cycle after implementation cycle has proven futile and until today the country continues to yearn for a shift from a low-income economy to a middle-income economy. This paper attempted to look at the national development policy initiatives, the link between human capital formation and national development programs, and the education system, human capital dimension for national development and higher education reform agenda and strategies along the four (4) highlighted thematic areas. The reform was in response to the realization of the need to strengthen the engineering and technology base of the education sector as well as the foundation for STEM education and promote a 65 percent turn around in the sciences in the tertiary and higher education system. For these to be achievable, it was suggested that the right educational infrastructure such as the state-of-the-art laboratories and other equipment must be provided. Training of the drivers of the sector in content and pedagogy as well as effective planning and management of the educational system must also be a priority. Finally, the need for strong collaboration with industries and other higher learning institutions at the national, regional and international levels was recommended.