Who We Are

Dr Alansana Darboe

Provost

Provides overall academic and institutional leadership at AIDAHs, setting the direction for teaching, research and clinical training. Works closely with partners across the health sector to keep programmes relevant to national workforce needs.

Mamadou Jallow

Deputy Provost

Supports the Provost in the day to day academic leadership of the institute, with a focus on teaching quality, staff development and student progression. Champions competency based learning across all diploma programmes.

Dr Ousman Leigh

Academic Registrar

Leads admissions, registration, examinations and student records, making sure academic processes are transparent and consistently applied. Serves as the custodian of student data and academic regulations.

Abdourahman Jabang

Assistant Director of Academic Affairs

Oversees curriculum development, timetabling and assessment across the institute's programmes. Coordinates lecturers and clinical supervisors so classroom learning connects directly to practice.

Fatoumata Zahra Jallow

Director of Administration

Manages institutional operations including finance, human resources, facilities and procurement. Builds the administrative systems that keep training running smoothly for students and staff.

Dr. Ousman Bajinka

Senior Lecturer

Dr. Ousman Bajinka is a highly accomplished microbiologist and educator serving as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of The Gambia. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Central South University, China. To further his expertise, he recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship (2023–2025) at Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Cancer Hospital, China, focusing on optimizing the management of respiratory viral infections and hypertension through predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3PM/PPPM). He also undertook an advanced research fellowship at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Italy, investigating drug repurposing and gene cloning for SARS-CoV-2 and post-COVID lung fibrosis. His broader research expertise spans respiratory virology, immuno-oncology, the microbiome, and multi-omics. Currently the ASM Country Ambassador for The Gambia, Dr. Bajinka is a skilled grant writer, mentor, and scientific communicator, fluent in four languages, and deeply committed to building research capacity in Africa.

Abdourahman Jallow

Assistant Lecturer

Abdourahman Jallow is a Result-driven Scientific Officer with over 12 years of progressive experience in biomedical research and laboratory diagnostics at MRCG@LSHTM, The Gambia. Holds a BSc in Biology and a strong foundation in high-throughput molecular techniques, including manual and robotic DNA/RNA extraction, advanced malaria microscopy, and digital radiography diagnostics. Proven track record of academic excellence and technical precision, combining strong analytical capabilities with early-career experience as a Mathematics educator.

Simon Correa

Assistant Lecturer

Simon Correa is a Malaria Microscopist and Parasite Culture Technician at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia - MRCG. With extensive experience in malaria diagnostics and laboratory research, Simon provides expert microscopy services for clinical trials, surveillance, and training programs across The Gambia. He specializes in the preparation and reading of thick and thin blood films, parasite detection, species identification, and parasite density quantification in line with WHO Basic Malaria Microscopy standards. Simon also maintains *P. falciparum* asexual and gametocyte cultures to support drug, vaccine, and transmission studies, including Standard Membrane Feeding Assays. As a trainer, Simon contributes to capacity building for laboratory staff and participates in External Quality Assurance - EQA programs to ensure diagnostic accuracy. His work supports institution’s commitment to high-quality, GCP-compliant malaria research and elimination efforts in West Africa.

Professor Kabiru Abubakar

Head of Pharmacy Department

Professor Kabiru Abubakar is a distinguished pharmacologist and clinical pharmacist with over 25 years of professional experience spanning academic leadership, clinical practice, and research. His specialization encompasses pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, and ethnopharmacology. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of The Gambia (UTG). Throughout his academic career, Professor Abubakar has held key leadership roles across prominent institutions. He previously served as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). A dedicated educator and researcher, Professor Abubakar’s work focuses on advancing pharmacological research, optimizing clinical outcomes, and exploring the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in West Africa.

Ebrima A. Sise

Lecturer

I am a biological scientist with over 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory diagnostics and medical research support. I am currently a PhD candidate at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), within the Biology of Infectious Disease programme in the Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases. My research focuses on early-life immunology, with particular interest in the influence of nutrition—especially biochemical iron status—on immune phenotypes and functional immune characteristics. I also have strong interests in epigenetics, bioethics, and the contextual interpretation of clinical and laboratory data to inform research and clinical decision-making. In addition to my research experience, I have an extensive background in teaching and professional development. I am a trained and certified Leadership and Management Trainer of Trainers (ToT) and previously served as an Adjunct Lecturer in Healthcare Leadership and Management at the American International University West Africa. I am passionate about mentoring emerging scientists, strengthening research capacity, and promoting excellence in biomedical research, laboratory science, and higher education.

Dr Ya Jankey Jagne

Lecturer

Dr. Ya Jankey Jagne is an Immunology researcher at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM. She holds a PhD in Life Sciences, an MSc in Immunology of Infectious Diseases and a BSc in Biology f. Her research focuses on immune responses to childhood infections and vaccination, with a particular interest in identifying immune markers that can support the development of vaccines against Group A Streptococcus. She is passionate about improving child health through research that informs vaccine development and disease prevention strategies. In addition to her scientific work, she is a dedicated mentor and advocate for STEM education, particularly for women and girls. She is committed to empowering the next generation of scientists and promoting diversity, inclusion, and health equity in research and global health through her membership to Women in STEM Gambia and the Gambia Immunology Society which is part of the Federation of African Immunology Societies and the International Union of Immunological Societies.