The Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) and the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding at NAQAA’s headquarters. The agreement, intended to bolster social security compliance within higher education institutions, was formally executed on July 31, 2026. This landmark partnership aims to ensure adherence to social security regulations across The Gambia's higher education sector, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the welfare of employees in the education sector.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The agreement stipulates that compliance involves institutions registering with the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), enrolling all eligible employees, and consistently remitting statutory social security contributions on time. These provisions are fundamental to establishing a strong social security framework within the sector. National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA)-accredited institutions are expected to protect eligible employees and view compliance as an investment in their welfare, dignity, and long-term security. This perspective shows the importance of institutional responsibility towards its workforce. The provisions further mandate that institutions ensure full adherence to all social security obligations. This measure is designed to safeguard employees' retirement benefits and overall welfare within the higher education sector, ensuring that educators and staff can look forward to a secure future.
Strategic Rationale and Objectives
The collaboration aims to support the government’s agenda by strengthening public institutions, improving regulatory coordination, and expanding social protection coverage across The Gambia. This initiative aligns with broader national goals for development and social welfare. Dr. Momodou Lamin Tarro, Chief Executive Officer of NAQAA, stated that "NAQAA regulates and assures quality in tertiary and higher education, while SSHFC protects workers’ social and economic interests through social security and housing finance services." This agreement creates an unprecedented opportunity for NAQAA to integrate social security compliance directly into its established quality-assurance framework for higher education institutions. By doing so, NAQAA can leverage its existing oversight mechanisms to promote and enforce social security adherence more effectively. The two institutions plan to coordinate compliance monitoring efforts, share relevant information, engage stakeholders, and conduct joint capacity-building initiatives to achieve these objectives. These coordinated actions are key for the successful implementation and sustained impact of the MoU.
Implementation and Oversight
A joint technical committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) and the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA). This committee will be responsible for coordinating all activities outlined in the agreement, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach. Its mandate includes continuous monitoring of progress to ensure that higher education institutions comply with social security regulations. This oversight mechanism is critical for identifying potential challenges and ensuring timely corrective actions. The committee’s work is intended to ensure effective execution of the partnership over its entire duration, providing a structured approach to achieving the agreement’s goals.
Leadership Perspectives
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to strengthen social security compliance, institutional accountability, and quality assurance across The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education sector. This full approach addresses multiple facets of institutional responsibility. The agreement specifically addresses concerns regarding poor institutional governance and inadequate payment of Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) contributions for educators, issues that have historically impacted the welfare of education professionals. The partnership mandates that all tertiary and higher education institutions regulated by the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA) must comply with the provisions of the SSHFC Act 2015. This compliance is critical for safeguarding the welfare of employees in the education sector, providing them with the social and economic protections they are entitled to.