His Excellency the President, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A J J Jammeh, has told Gambians that education is the axis around which development and social advancement revolve. The Gambian leader made this remark at the July 22nd Square on Thursday during the Golden Jubilee celebration of The Gambia Senior Secondary School.

President Jammeh said with education, we as a nation cannot rise above the challenges of ignorance. He mentioned that over the last 50 years, the institution has produced high personalities who contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the nation adding that this is exemplary. "My government has worked too hard in providing the enabling environment that make many schools exit today in the country," he said.

He stressed that his government will not relent in its responsibilities to undertake necessary reforms towards promoting this agenda. He also mentioned that other schools should emulate The Gambia Senior Secondary School in producing leaders and citizens with exemplary status.

President Jammeh noted that to maintain the high standards, the institution corroborated the efforts of parents, teachers and students. These, he noted are required for any school's success and emphasized that discipline needs to be accepted. He pointed out that without discipline, life would be backward and full of frustration and violence.

He urged school heads to ensure that a high standard of discipline is maintained at all times. He also expressed his profound gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the celebration.

The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Fatou Lamin Faye, highlighted the importance of education noting the commitment of government to make education accessible to all Gambians through His Excellency President Jammeh.

Minister Faye disclosed that The Gambia Senior Secondary School has long since been a role model in terms of quality education. She said her ministry will do all it can to meet the academic excellence expected in schools. She also noted as alumni that she will continue to support the aspirations of The Gambia Senior Secondary School.

Present at the occasion included Cabinet Ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly and diplomats among others.

By Alhagi Ceesay