Africa-Press – Gambia. The Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) on Saturday graduated 150 students in various disciplines, with speakers underscoring the importance of volunteerism, service to the nation and professionalism in the tourism sector.
The graduates completed programmes in Tourism and Hospitality, SIEF Cookery and Pastry, SIEF Event Planning and Management, Amadeus Booking System, Cabin Crew and Aviation Services, and Travel and Tourism. Outstanding students were also recognised for academic excellence.
The 18th graduation ceremony was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi and brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, parents and international partners.
Chairman of ITTOG’s Board of Directors, Dr. Adama Bah, congratulated the graduates, lecturers and staff, and called on young people to give back to society through service and volunteerism. Drawing on his experience with volunteer organisations, he said volunteerism contributes to both personal growth and national development.
Dr. Bah urged graduates to pursue their ambitions with dedication at home, paying tribute to a young Gambian, Assan, who reportedly died while attempting to migrate by sea.
Outgoing Head of School, Alhaji Sheikh Tejan Nyang, reflected on his 18 years of service at ITTOG, describing the institution as a “university of life” shaped by lessons from parents’ sacrifices and commitment. He stressed the central role of parents in value formation, noting that schools reinforce values already instilled at home.
Sheikh Nyang also called on graduates entering the tourism industry to demonstrate humility, patience and discipline, while advocating for visionary leadership, improved service quality and the elimination of inefficiencies within the sector.
Keynote speaker Professor Harold Goodwin, Chairman of People and Places Responsible Volunteering in the United Kingdom, highlighted the role of responsible volunteering in community development. The new Head of School, Daba Jagne, and other speakers encouraged graduates to use their skills for national progress.
In his closing remarks, Sheikh Nyang described retirement as a redirection of purpose rather than an end to service.
The ceremony also honoured six tourism industry pioneers – Pa Omar Faal, Sami Tamim, Alhaji Gibba, Kantong Jaiteh, Aji Jainaba Gaye and Aji Ramou Nyang – for their contributions to the development of tourism in The Gambia.
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