The main functions of the directorate includes:

• Ensure research capacity and credibility to direct and steer policy, legislative and national debates on human capital development of the country.
• Planning and coordinate the collection of relevant data from tertiary and higher education institutions.
• Conduct or commission Labour market research activities to inform policy and planning at institutional and sector levels.
• Promote innovation and entrepreneurship activities in tertiary and higher education in line with national imperatives.
• Conduct or commission research on other important issues that would enhance NAQAA’s function of ensuring quality and relevant tertiary and higher education in The Gambia.

Mapping of apprenticeship centres was conducted from April to May 2024 with the following objectives:

• To identify and locate apprenticeship centres across different regions in The Gambia.
• To assess the types of skills and training offered by apprenticeship centres.
• Understand the apprenticeship process in the Gambia.
• Assess the qualification of mastercrafts person and apprentices.
• Find out the Challenges Faced by Informal Apprenticeship centres.
• Create awareness about NAQAA’s role in apprenticeship development in the Gambia.

In addition to this activity, student enrollment, graduation and staff data will be collected from late October to early November 2024 to update the statistical year book.

Our main stakeholders also involve:

• Ministry of Youths and Sports
• Ministry of Trade, Regional integration and Employment
• The Industry
• Tertiary and Higher Education Institutions