By: Staff Reporter
The Faculty and Staff Association of the University of The Gambia (UTGFSA) has raised some ethical questions around the investigations that the UTG conducted in the alleged sex-for-grade scandal that rocked the university sometime last year.
The UTGFSA is now requesting the relevant authorities, especially the legislature to constitute “an impartial” investigation committee to investigate “the gross grade scandal at the university in depth”.
This followed the dispatching last week of a two-page press statement purportedly by the Governing Council of the University of The Gambia about the ‘grade scandal’.
According to UTGFA, the inclusion of deans from some of the affected schools has raised questions and concerns about the impartiality of the Fact-Finding Investigative Panel, saying the association was concerned about a conflict of interest that may jeopardize the findings.
“The association is adamant that an impartial and independent investigation is essential for assuring fairness and transparency,” UTGFA demanded.
The association also expressed its disapproval of the naming of Dr. John T. Gomez in the investigative report while a lid was put on the identities of other accused individuals.
“It is discriminatory to publicly mention Dr. John T. Mendy while concealing the other accused individuals’ identities (i.e., staff and students). Transparency and fairness should be applied consistently to all parties involved,” UTGFA said.
It added: “The association also questioned the approach of naming and dismissing the accused staff for grade alterations while concealing the names of accused students and not expelling them equally. The association, therefore, advocates for equitable treatment and consequences for all parties found responsible.”
The UTGFA contended that it was of the belief that the reported number of 60 implicated students did not mirror the magnitude of the scandals and, therefore, called for a “comprehensive investigation to determine the issue’s full scope”.
“The association believes that the reported number of 60 implicated students might not accurately reflect the extent of these scandals,” it stated.
The UTGFA said as a result of these concerns, it’s conducting investigations and stepping up to the plate to ensure an independent committee is established by the relevant authorities to open fresh investigations into the grade alteration scandals.
“The association is committed to advocating for fairness, transparency, and justice to restore the institution’s integrity,” it stated.
The UTGFA emphasized that it adopted a zero-tolerance stance towards misconduct and any malfeasance that endangers the university’s integrity as it vowed to safeguard high academic standards, ethics, and value for the national interest.