Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education: A New Curriculum Paradigm in the Gambia

Abstract

This paper discusses on the new curriculum approach being pursued in The Gambia, which is introducing innovation and entrepreneurship courses in all educational programmes at tertiary and higher education levels. The Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has in 2021 taken up a policy decision to introduce through and embedded approach innovation and entrepreneurship modules in all educational courses at tertiary and higher education levels (MoHERST, 2022). The paper relying on existing literature and policy documents discusses on the education structure of the Gambia and the qualifications frameworks in place to guide the deployment of this new curriculum approach, identifying the collaboration pathways with industry actors and in alignment with international best practices (NAQAA, 2022). The paper further elaborates on the role of each of the actors of the innovation ecosystem and how they coordinate in promoting the development and implementation of the new curriculum in The Gambia. It has detailed how the academic institutions, industry actors, regulators, students, as well as communities interrelate in nurturing and pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship skills towards strengthening the innovation ecosystem in The Gambia. This paper further discusses on the potential benefits of the new curriculum approach and the impact it will create in supporting and ensuring a sustained socio-economic development is achieved in The Gambia. Finally, the paper concluded by proposing policy recommendations for adoption in enriching and upgrading the new curriculum approach in a bid to improving its impact in the overall national development drive in the Gambia.