The Gambia University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) today welcomed a delegation from Ecobank Gambia on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the two institutions and exploring new areas of collaboration.
The meeting was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nazmat T. Surajudeen-Bakinde, alongside the Registrar, Mr. Alieu B. Saine, and the University Librarian, Mr. Jorjoh Jallow Rashid.
The Ecobank delegation comprised Mr. Alhagie Bai Ceesay, Head of CCD; Mrs. Ramatoulie Secka Ceesay, Education Finance Services (EFS); and Mrs. Fatou Scattred, Relationship Manager, Premier Banking.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Alieu Ceesay expressed Ecobank’s appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the University’s leadership and reflected on the Bank’s previous engagements with USET. He noted that while earlier interactions were largely transactional, Ecobank now seeks to elevate the relationship into a strategic partnership that addresses the University’s long-term financial and institutional needs.
He highlighted Ecobank’s Education Finance Services (EFS), a specialised initiative designed to support higher education institutions across the Bank’s network in 32 African countries. According to him, the programme offers tailored financial solutions for universities, including institutional financing, operational support, staff financial products, asset financing, and other banking services aimed at improving institutional growth and sustainability.
Mr. Ceesay further emphasised that investing in education remains one of the most effective ways of driving national development and reducing poverty. He described USET as a critical institution in producing the skilled workforce required to advance The Gambia’s industrial and technological development, particularly in technical and vocational disciplines.
He proposed closer collaboration between Ecobank and USET through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would provide a framework for identifying the University’s priority needs and developing customised financial solutions for both the institution and its employees.
Receiving the delegation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nazmat T. Surajudeen-Bakinde welcomed the team and thanked Ecobank for its continued support and commitment to USET. She recalled the Bank’s previous engagements with the University and expressed appreciation for its willingness to expand the partnership beyond routine banking services.
The Vice-Chancellor underscored the importance of forging strategic alliances with institutions that share USET’s vision of advancing technical education, innovation, and national development. She welcomed the proposal for deeper collaboration and reaffirmed the University’s readiness to work closely with Ecobank in identifying mutually beneficial areas of partnership.
Professor Surajudeen-Bakinde also informed the delegation that USET’s new admissions campaign was about to commence, noting that Ecobank remains one of the University’s recognised banking partners for student payment services.
The meeting concluded with Ecobank presenting a cheque of Fifty Thousand Dalasis (D50,000) to USET as a gesture of support and goodwill, further strengthening the growing partnership between the two institutions. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation through structured engagement, with discussions expected to culminate in a formal partnership that will enhance institutional development while providing improved financial services and opportunities for USET staff and students.