President Jammeh Donates D200, 000 to UTG Students' Farm

Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh

In yet another manifestation of his commitment to The Gambia's food self-sufficiency drive, the president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh, recently donated a cash amount of D200, 000 to the members of the University of The Gambia Students Union, earmarked for their farming activities.

The donation was made during the recent 'Dialogue with the People Tour' that took the Gambian leader across the length and breadth of the country in fruitful discussions with the taxpayers on issues bordering on national development.

The news of the presidential donation was disclosed to the students recently during a meeting between the university administration and the student executive body. Farming being a key issue on the agenda of the presidential tour, the gesture could be described as a show of pragmatism by the leadership in matching his words with action. At the meeting, the vice chancellor of the UTG, Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, expressed gratitude to the chancellor of the nation's citadel of learning for the magnanimity. He recalled that the Gambian leader held a meeting on Tuesday at the UTG Faraba ground during his 'Dialogue with the People Tour', adding that the president appreciated the presence of the students.

The VC expressed appreciation to the Gambian leader for the donation, disclosing that he didn't only convey his desire for the university to farm, but also donated 50 bags of groundnuts. In addition, he told the students that the Gambian leader also directed the Agriculture minister to give seven tractors to the university. "So the president is sending us a signal that if you farm you can produce not only what you eat but also what you pay for tuition," the VC underscored, saying farming is one such venture that can help the university to generate money which can be used to subsidise students' tuition. Professor Kah urged the entire UTG students, staff, faculty and administration to converge on the university farms in their thousands when the time comes. He vowed that, in addition to the groundnut farm in Faraba, the university will also cultivate a corn farm in Brikama.

The vice chancellor used the opportunity to congratulate the students present for successfully completing the semester noting that the university is very proud of the student leadership He advised them to work for the collective interest of the university, which he described as the "pride of the nation" that will outlive all of them. He also expressed hope that he will see them in the upcoming graduation ceremony of the three cohorts; May 2012, December 2012, and June 2013. Professor Kah also used the opportunity to welcome one Dr. Assan Sarr, one of the first UTG graduates to obtain a PhD. The VC posited that people like Dr. Sarr represent hope, and that he has not forgotten his alma mater, as manifested by his presence; teaching and helping the university.

The president of the UTG Student Government, Yaya Marong, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the entire UTG student body to President Jammeh for his magnanimity. He expressed his appreciation for the gesture and promised that the money will surely be used appropriately, as advised by the vice chancellor. Other speakers at the meeting included Moro Krubally, the manager of Facilities and University Services; Mariam John, the internal auditor; Yankuba Mamburay, the senior University Relations officer; Jenung Manneh, University Secretary; and Dr. Omar Jah, the deputy vice chancellor.

In a separate but related development, the UTG top brass also commended President Jammeh for the donation of another D200, 000 to the UTG as a token of appreciation, earmarked to celebrate his birthday. "This is for you, the students, from the president, enjoy it, use it appropriately and make sure all students of the university enjoy it," Professor Kah urged.