The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has announced the appointment of Dr Jorjoh Ndure-Tambedou as the first Executive Director of the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund.

Her appointment, approved by the Office of the President, marks a major step in strengthening The Gambia’s tertiary education system.

The Ministry said Dr Ndure-Tambedou’s extensive leadership experience in education, research, and financial management makes her well-suited to lead the new national fund.

Dr Ndure-Tambedou, Chief Executive Officer of InSIST Global, has overseen major national projects such as the Education Management Information System (EMIS) for TVET institutions and the Social Registry System.

She also served as a consultant for UNESCO, where she helped develop The Gambia’s National Strategy for the Digital Transformation of TVET.

A recognised innovator and advocate for women’s empowerment, Dr Ndure-Tambedou co-founded Afrijula, an entrepreneurship platform, and serves as President of the Rise Women’s Network.

She was named one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, is an Acumen Fellow, and received the 2024 Woman of the Year SheAward.

She holds a PhD in Life Sciences from the Open University, UK.

In her new role, Dr Ndure-Tambedou will lead the Fund’s strategic direction,