I first learned about Central European University (CEU) in 2021 whilst I was attending the Constitution-Building program at the Africa Summer School in Budapest, Hungary. That enlightening two-week course sparked my desire for more knowledge on the subject, so I subsequently decided to apply for CEU’s LL.M. in Comparative Constitutional Law, and I was thrilled to be admitted onto the course for the 2023/2024 academic year in Vienna, Austria.
The Comparative Constitutional Law Program (CCL) truly enriched my LL.M. experience. The diverse backgrounds of my classmates, each of whom brought expertise from a different legal system, served as the foundation for many vibrant and engaging discussions. I particularly enjoyed classes such as Constitutional Adjudication, Comparative Federalism, and Constitution-Building in Africa, all of which deepened my understanding of constitutionalism and prompted me to reflect upon the situation in my home country, The Gambia.
Studying Comparative Constitutional Law came not only at a crucial time for me but also for The Gambia, a country currently undertaking a constitution-building process. Therefore, upon graduating, I returned home and immediately began applying the knowledge I gained from the CCL LL.M.
CEU equipped me with essential resources, including academic writing classes, thesis seminars, and ample learning materials. As a legal practitioner working for the state, the knowledge I have acquired has profoundly shaped my understanding of the political dynamics involved in constitutional processes, the components of effective governance, and the critical roles played by citizens, civil society organizations, and strong institutions.
The LL.M. in CCL has complemented my expertise and has reinforced my commitment to contributing to the development of effective legal systems in The Gambia and beyond. In conclusion, I firmly believe that knowledge of Comparative Constitutional Law is vital for any citizen with a commitment to their country’s development and future.