Ministry Overview & Mandate
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MINISTRY OF BASIC & SECONDARY EDUCATION
The Education Sector Policy 2016–2030 marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s educational development, being the first sector-wide policy formulated following the separation of the Higher Education portfolio from Basic and Secondary Education. This restructuring led to the establishment of two distinct ministries: the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST). Despite their distinct roles, the two ministries operate in a complementary and integrated manner to ensure a coherent and sustainable education system that supports national development.
MoBSE is mandated to oversee the delivery of basic and secondary education across The Gambia. Its responsibilities include:
- Policy development and implementation for early childhood, lower and upper basic, and senior secondary education.
- Promotion of inclusive education, gender equity, and special needs education.
- Oversight of curriculum development, teacher training, and quality assurance.
- Coordination of school infrastructure development, school feeding programmes, and life skills education.
- Management of regional education directorates and decentralization of education services.
MoBSE aims to provide accessible, equitable, and inclusive quality education for all Gambians, with a strong emphasis on improving literacy, numeracy, and life skills to foster national development and poverty reduction.