The Gambia College School of Nursing and Midwifery Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fooyin University in the Republic of China (Taiwan) at a ceremony held at the conference hall of the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Banjul.

The document contained the two sides' agreement on collaborative research in the areas of common interest to both of them and a joint dual degree (Diploma and Certificate programmes). They also agreed to be conducting exchange of faculty members and staff and other visits as well as joint research activities and special short-term academic programmes.

The vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UTG), Muhammadou MO Kah, who is also the overseer of the Gambia College, signed the MoU on behalf of his institution while Dr Hsiu-Fang Hsieh, dean of the School of Nursing at Fooyin University, signed on behalf of her university. "The signing of the MoU is symbolic and it will broaden our ties and connectedness with the Fooyin University," Professor Kah said. He added that The Gambia's health care and development is paramount to her security and future.

While attaching strong importance to nursing, Professor Kah stated that nurses and those close with the nursing system are more valued in the medical chain. He reminded the nursing students that it is important for them to always take up their studies seriously, saying "the advancement of our health care system solely rests on your hands".

Samuel Chen, the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, described a school of nursing and midwifery as a very vital department in a country. He reiterated that Taiwan is an important development partner of The Gambia, particularly in the area of medical development, which, he said, is a major aspect that brings about robust development in a country.

On her part, Dr Hsiu-Fang Hsieh said her university has 10,000 students studying in various departments, which are; the College of Humanities and Management, School of Environment and Life Sciences, School of Medical and Health Sciences and the School of Nursing.She expressed hope that her university's signing of the MoU will usher in lots of development.

Dr Macky Taal, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, remarked that the signing of the MoU is a pure manifestation of Taiwan's friendship with The Gambia.The move, he added, will help to strengthen the capacity of The Gambia's health personnel.

For their part, Alpha Khan, Beatrice Hafna and Lamin Suwareh, the chairman of the Gambia College Governing Council, head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the principal lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery respectively, all welcomed the move.