BANJUL, November 27, 2016 – A working visit to Gambia by USIM was organised to further expand the collaborative network between USIM and the institutions in Gambia in the field of Islamic Studies and Executive Programs Halal. The visit was headed by Hon. Professor Dato ‘Dr. Hassan Basri Awang Mat Dahan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dato ‘Dr. Mustafa Mohd Hanefah who were there for five days from 26 to 30 November 2016 in Banjul, the capital of the Gambia.

With the assistance from Gambia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr. Abubacarr Jah, USIM visited 16 institutions in Gambia which included the University of The Gambia (UTG), Gambia Investment Export and Promotion Agency (GiEPA), Gambian Chamber and Commerce Industry (Gcci), Talinding & Tadamun Islamic School, Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology, National Accreditation & Quality Assurance Authority (QAA), Arab Gambian Islamic Bank (AGIP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and other agencies.

The visit aims to promote USIM in Gambia, especially in the field of Islamic Studies and Sciences to improve education level of the public in Gambia which in turn helps people to develop the country. Through the visit, USIM intends to seek recognition from Gambia through the QAA to enable USIM open a branch campus in Gambia as well as reduce costs for students traveling to Malaysia. In addition, through visits to GiEPA, Gcci, AGIP and The Gambia Bankers Association, USIM also aims to build Halal Executive Programs to enhance the ability and knowledge of the community in Gambia in the Halal management of either from the food sector or industry.

During the visit, USIM has paid a visit to The University of the Gambia (UTG) and met with Professor Dr. Faqir Mohammad Anjum Chaudhry Vice Chancellor of UTG. Through these discussions, UTG has agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with USIM in collaboration of offering joint-degree Medicine and Dentistry program USIM, program credit transfer of Food Biotechnology and will invite the Vice Chancellor of USIM to the seminar which will be held by UTG in March 2017. In addition, through the visit to IOU, USIM has also opened up opportunities to expand programs for lifelong learning under Madal Hayah USIM with the concept of flexible education that is accessible everywhere, at any time by anyone.

Most interesting in the visits, USIM had the chance to see first-hand the Gambian electoral process that took place on December 1, 2016 celebrated with joyous excitement by the people. The visit ended with a meeting with a consultant from the World Bank and USIM intends to cooperate in the process of improvising the school education curriculum in Gambia.

 

Prepared by:
Faizudin bin Ahmad

Updated by:
Strategic Communication Centre (StraComm)
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