By: Penda Joof
University of The Gambia Students’ Union yesterday protested against the unfortunate circumstances currently affecting the institution and called on the authorities to dialogue and address the situations affecting the students.
The University of The Gambia recently dismissed two lecturers and faced postponement of exams to be held in December 2024. This has escalated tension within the institution leading to at least two protests since the sacking of the lecturers.
During Monday’s protests spearheaded by the UTG Students’ Union, they demanded an immediate resumption of all academic and administrative functions: ‘’We demand the immediate resumption of all academic and administrative activities to prevent further disruption to students’ education. A university closure for about two weeks is a catastrophic blow, not only to the students but also to the nation’s future. The ongoing disruptions have already caused significant delays and uncertainty, and it is essential that academic and administrative functions resume without any further delay. Meanwhile, we hereby respectfully ask the parties to consider the interest of students and resume work immediately,’’ Nyaninka Manjang, the president of the UTGSU stated.
He stressed that his Union insists that the January 6th exams be held as rescheduled, with no further delays or disruptions. The original exam date of December 09 could not proceed due to the strike, which severely affected students’ focus and preparedness. ‘’Through an opinion poll, students have now agreed that the exam should be rescheduled for January 6th, 2025. This date must remain fixed, and no circumstances should cause it to change’’.
The student leaders demanded fair compensation for students affected by the dismissal of the two lecturers, ensuring that their academic progress was not unduly harmed. Extra lectures should be given to them to finish their course contents.
‘’Continued supervision for students with research projects under the dismissed lecturers, no reassessments for students who have already completed their assessments under the dismissed lecturers, examination questions and marking of affected courses to be handled by the dismissed lecturers,’’ Mr Manjang specified.
The UTGSU further demanded rescheduling of the 2025 Convocation Ceremony, transportation for students commuting from (and to) Kombo South, Kanifng, and Banjul, campuses be provided for students attending classes at the Kanifing and Banjul campuses, immediate release and approval of pending grades, health and safety at Farabacampus with ambulance and fully equipped sickbay, and clearance for government-sponsored students. These and many other demands were advanced by the students’ leadership.