The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education Commission representatives visited the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) on Monday, December 18th, for a week-long engagement to study the Bilingual Education initiative in the Gambia. Dr. Isiaka Olayinka Kolawole, the commission’s Deputy Executive Secretary, led the Nigerian delegation, seeking insights from the Gambian system for potential implementation in Nigeria, supported by funding from the Islamic Development Bank.
The Honourable Minister, Claudiana A.Cole welcomed the delegates, detailing the successes of the Gambian Bilingual Education project and emphasizing increased school enrollment, especially for girls. She highlighted the ministry’s efforts in providing options between conventional and Madrassa schools, aiming for broader education participation and ensuring quality assurance.
Permanent Secretary Ebrima Sisawo also welcomed the delegates and expressed gratitude for choosing the Gambia, noting the mutual learning opportunity between both teams.
Dr. Kolawole stressed their intent to observe the curriculum, teaching methods, sustenance strategies, and management of the Bilingual Education project in the Gambia. “We are here on a study visit on the bilingual education project. We have seen the beautiful things you are doing here on the Bilingual education project, and we feel we should come around here for learning and exchange of ideas,” Dr. Kolawole underscored.
Subsequent presentations covered the Gambian education system and specifics of the Bilingual project in the Gambia by DPS Adama Jimba Jobe and Project Cordination Unit Project manager Abdoulie Sowe, respectively.
