The United States ambassador to The Gambia, HE Barry L Wells has reiterated the need for concerted efforts from the government to individuals and international organisations to give more priority to education for the advancement of The Gambia.

Education, Ambassador Wells observed, is the only way out and the most needed resource for development. The American diplomat was speaking at the University of The Gambia's new home in Brikama, while handing over the presentation of some books (mainly history and sciences) to the UTG. According to Ambassador Wells, education is an important tool with infinite capacity for rapid development of a nation. The presentation of the books to the UTG, he said, is his embassy's contribution to the development of Gambia's education sector. He used the opportunity to commend President Jammeh on his visionary leadership and giant achievements in the advancement of education in the country.

Professor Muhammed Kah, vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia, expressed delight at the donation. The UTG, he said, is about ten years today and since its establishment about 600 students have graduated from there, which is a significant number. According to Professor Kah, higher education in any country has the potential to address the scourge of poverty. "This year, we have doubled the enrollment to UTG close to 500 students," Kah remarked. He added that they are very particular about the education of the female students especially on science and technology.

He thanked the US embassy for the donation and expressed optimism that such partnership would continue between them and the UTG. In her vote of thanks, Isatou Njie-Sanyang, UTG librarian, thanked the embassy for the donation saying the books cover a wide range of University level areas.