Senior officials of the Gambia Printing and Publishing Corporation (GPPC) have presented samples of newly produced senior secondary school textbooks to the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, ahead of their nationwide distribution.

The textbooks, totalling 286,000 copies, cover 34 subjects and are intended for use in senior secondary schools across the country.

Their production marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to improve access to learning materials and reduce shortages in schools.

The presentation took place on Monday during a courtesy visit by GPPC’s senior management, led by the Acting Managing Director, Wurah Bah.

Mr Bah said the completion of the textbooks demonstrates the corporation’s growing capacity to support the education sector through local printing and publishing.

He noted that producing the materials locally helps to cut costs, speed up delivery and ensure that textbooks are available in time for the academic year.

Receiving the samples, Dr Ceesay welcomed the development and praised GPPC for meeting what he described as a critical national need.

He said access to quality textbooks remains central to improving teaching and learning outcomes in the country.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and supporting state institutions mandated to provide essential services, including educational publishing and printing.

By Adama Makasuba