Those present at the discussion, including the Vice-Chancellor and Engr. Musa Darboe
The CEO of Maruo Farms, Engr Musa Darboe, on Wednesday 21st January 2026 called on the Vice-Chancellor of USET Engr Professor Nazmat T. Surajudeen-Bakinde to discuss areas of possible partnership. Engr Darboe was received by the Vice-Chancellor and her team at the Brikama Campus.
In her welcoming remark, the Vice-Chancellor indicated that they have met Mr. Darboe sometimes ago when they were looking for partners. She said he was introduced to them by the CEO of MRC-Holland.
Commencing his deliberation, Engr Darboe thanked the Vice-Chancellor for availing him the opportunity to meet the USET team. He said the idea he has is farm apprenticeship service, in order to train the young people in modern farming techniques. Engr Darboe said he use borehole to carry out drip irrigation to grow rice in the lowland. He said rice cultivation is his major strength.
Acting Director, Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Ozioma Ikonne said they were convinced by the expertise of Engr Darboe when he made a presentation to them. He said USET has tried commercial agriculture to some extent and produced different crops at the Julangel Skills Training Centre. He said it was realized that this is a step in the right direction, but the issue with some of these crops are that they are seasonal and sustainability becomes an issue. He said the idea is to make agriculture less labor intensive and more profitable. He added that it is essential to put our heads together with Engr Darboe and forge ahead, stating that the area of potential partnership would be looked at.
The Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Musa Darboe and Prof. Oyetunji Akinlabi respectively from left to right
Prof. Micheal Osuolale, the Dean, College of Science and Engineering said there are areas we can collaborate and it is very good and timely to start with this. He said the students would be given the opportunity to develop and enhance skills. He said this will create job opportunity for the youths, which will in turn help to curb the back-way syndrome. He said it would be prudent to partner in order to make our students better, and also leverage on Engr Darboe’s experience.
The Director, Research and Grants, Prof. Oyetunji Akinlabi welcomed Engr Darboe and indicated that farming is very good, and there is no way one can make a loss. He assured him that he has come to the right place as the personnel / students are here to do the work. He challenged Engr Darboe to come up with an MoU for us to look at where we can intervene. He said there is a lot of money in agriculture. He emphasized the importance of agriculture and the opportunities available in the Gambia with regards to land and species.
Engr Musa Darboe indicated that the main objective of this project is specific to training students, and as such, they are very vital in the equation. He said he would monitor the students, provide them with some hectares of land, when necessary, as well as provide them with tractors to effectively carry out the process. Engr Darboe suggested that the line ministries be involved in order to ensure sustainability. He said we would need a force to kick start with, as this would give rise to training opportunities and placement / internship for our students.
Engr Darboe indicated that his interest is to have people to train so that in future, we can have more people involved in the activity. He was asked to come up with a draft MoU in order for us to look at it together, after which it will be sent to our line ministry and the Ministry of Justice. He mentioned that he has a welding unit that looks at the equipment portfolio of the farm.
He was finally asked to send the draft proposal, and he promised to do so as soon as possible.
Attendees at the discussion