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Momodou
Denmark
11833 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 19:18:06
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NUGS Unveil Congress Plans
By Gibairu Janneh
The National Union of Gambian Students, which comprises six training institutions, namely The University of The Gambia (UTG), Management Development Institute (MDI), Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI), Gambia College (G.G), International Business College (IBC) and the Hotel School (H.S), is set for its second annual congress.
According to NUGS officials, the congress is now scheduled to take place from 28 February to 2 March at the Friendship Hotel and not the 7-10 February, as earlier announced.
Speaking to this reporter, Mr. Ebrima Sanneh, the President of the Union, attributed the postponement to the unavailability of a suitable venue, as the original choice was found to be inadequate, in terms of space and the quality of its facilities. He further added that when the Friendship Hotel was contacted as an alternative venue, it was found to be fully booked for sporting and musical activities for the first three weeks of February. He, however, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness for the congress and commended the organising committee for their commitment and sacrifice. He also expressed gratitude to individuals, public and private institutions, especially the National Training Authority (NTA) and the Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba, for services rendered to NUGS.
About the justification of holding a congress, Mr. Sanneh asserted that congress is a constitutional requirement and it creates a forum for a frank exchange of ideas among student groups at the tertiary level, with a view to finding economic and political common grounds upon which the union can stand, shine and grow.
He said the main task of this year’s congress, which is expected to draw over 200 students across the country, is to carry out a comprehensive review of the constitution in order for it to reflect contemporary realities and issues of students, strengthen the capacity of the union to speak with a powerful voice both within and outside The Gambia and to mandate the Executive Council to begin explanatory talks with tertiary institutions that have not yet joined the union to convince them to do so. Stating that a series of seminars will also characterise the congress, Mr. Sanneh revealed that papers will be delivered by Professor Andreas Steigen, Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Dr. Saidou S. Jallow, Permanent Secretary Department of State for Higher Education Research, Mrs. Ida Faye Hydara, Executive Director of the Women’s Bureau.
Mr. Sanneh also disclosed to this reporter that, as part of activities marking the congress, the union will award certificates and trophies to some personalities; that among these awards is the Man of Students Award 2007, which will be awarded to the President. He said this is in recognition and appreciation of the president’s efforts in assisting the student community of The Gambia and promoting Gambia’s education to higher heights.
On his final note, Mr. Sanneh called on all the student unions under NUGS to live by and uphold the ideas and principles of their union, noting that it is only through unity that the student community can be respected and consulted on decisions affecting their lives.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 18/2007, 11 – 12 February 2008
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