Cherno Omar Barry (Professor)

Scholar | Educationist | Diplomat | Author | Public Administrator

Professor Cherno Omar Barry is a distinguished Gambian scholar, educationist, diplomat, author and public administrator with over three decades of experience in higher education, public service, diplomacy and literary scholarship.

He currently serves as Deputy Executive Secretary of the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat, Professor of Comparative Literature at the International Open University (IOU), and President of the Writers’ Association of The Gambia. He is also Vice-President for West Africa of the Pan-African Writers’ Association and a civilian member of the Gambia Armed Forces Council.

A former Vice-Chancellor and President of IOU, Professor Barry played a significant role in expanding access to higher education, strengthening academic accreditation and promoting digital learning and teacher education. He previously served as Permanent Secretary in several Gambian government ministries, The Gambia’s first Representative to UNESCO in Paris, and inaugural Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission. He also held the UNESCO Chair for Teacher Education, Digital Learning and Assessment.

As a leading advocate of Gambian literature, Professor Barry has authored numerous scholarly works, including Dr Lenrie Peters: A Trailblazer of Gambian Literature, A Brief History of Education in The Gambia, and Voices of The Gambia: A Literary Journey Through Time. His memoir Cracks in the Mirror and historical novel The Grey Beret further explore The Gambia’s political and social history.

Through his literary leadership, he has championed reading, supported Gambian writers and promoted the preservation of the country’s literary heritage. His efforts have also strengthened international cultural partnerships, including cooperation with the China Writers Association.

His Mark on History

• Higher Education: Advanced university accreditation, digital learning and teacher education in The Gambia and internationally.
• Public Service: Contributed to national education policy, institutional development and human rights administration.
• Literature: Documented and promoted Gambian literary heritage through scholarship, authorship and cultural advocacy.
• Diplomacy: Represented The Gambia at UNESCO and strengthened international educational and cultural cooperation.
• Regional Integration: Supports bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal through the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat.

Honours and Recognition

Professor Barry’s contributions have earned him prestigious distinctions, including France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, the Médaille d’Or of the Alliance Française, and the Prix Aminata Maiga Ka from Senegal.

Tags

Higher Education · Gambian Literature · Education Leadership · Public Service · Diplomacy · Comparative Literature · African Literature · Cultural Heritage