The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, Hassan B. Jallow, together with the Director General of The Gambia Law School and his assistant, who are currently visiting Rwanda, toured the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) and praised its significant contribution to strengthening the legal sector both in the region and across Africa.

On May 26, 2025, Justice Jallow held an interactive session with ILPD students, during which he reflected on his legal journey and his current role as head of the judiciary in The Gambia.

Justice Jallow expressed appreciation for ILPD’s efforts in sharpening the skills of legal practitioners in Rwanda, The Gambia, and Africa at large.

He stated, “Currently, over 50 students from The Gambia have studied at ILPD, and around 10 are still enrolled. They are very pleased with the quality of education they receive. This is a significant contribution to Africa’s development.”

He went on to emphasize that ILPD’s model of training students in both common law and civil law systems is another remarkable achievement, likening it to uniting two worlds. He commended ILPD for adopting such an inclusive approach.

Justice Jallow also encouraged law students to embrace and promote court-connected mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which he described as a form of justice well-suited to Africans and rooted in traditional values.

Saine Alieu, a student from The Gambia, expressed his joy at the visit of a high-ranking official from his home country. He noted that students from The Gambia feel at home in Rwanda, thanks to the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

Niwenshaba Atwebembeire, a student from Uganda, stated that visits from such high-profile leaders inspire and motivate students in their academic journey.

He said, “Having such leaders speak to us energizes our journey in the legal profession and makes us believe that with continued effort, we too can reach great heights.”

ILPD’s Academic Dean, Viateur Bangayabandusha, remarked that hosting the Chief Justice—and having him deliver a talk that included practical lessons for students—boosts the institution’s profile and reinforces its mission of being a hub for diverse legal ideas aimed at nurturing competent legal professionals.

During his visit, Justice Jallow also toured several cultural heritage sites in Nyanza District, including the King’s Palace Museum, the royal cows known as Inyambo, and the Kwigira Museum.