Gambia Campus: Students Demand Leadership Resignations

More than 12,000 students at the University of The Gambia are navigating a crisis that affects their ability to attend daily lectures. The core issue is transportation, but the dispute has expanded to include campus facilities and student welfare. Lectures resumed after a protest on Monday, but the tension between the student body and university administration remains high.

Muhammed Lamin Jallow, a student at the School of Arts and Sciences, describes his daily 40 km commute to the Faraba Banta campus as a competitive struggle. He relies on university buses to reach class, but securing a seat is often difficult. Jallow told Al Jazeera that the process feels like survival of the fittest, where students compete to determine who gets a seat, who must stand, and who is left behind at home.

The Students’ Union organized the Monday protest to bring these grievances to the attention of the vice chancellor’s office. The group is demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Herbert Robinson and the director of student affairs. The students accuse both officials of failing to perform their duties effectively. While the government has promised improvements, the leadership dispute has not been resolved.

Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez visited the campus following the protest. He was accompanied by university representatives and officials from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology announced that the Gambia Transport Service Company had deployed 20 buses to support student transportation. This measure is intended to alleviate the overcrowding that has become a primary source of student frustration.

Beyond transport, students have reported issues with basic services, including limited access to safe drinking water and affordable food. The ministry acknowledged that additional filtration was needed for campus water. It stated that water jars and dispensers have been installed at designated points and that the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) had been consulted. Regarding internet connectivity, the ministry said work was under way to extend service to the newly constructed Schools of Agriculture and Law. Officials expect completion within a week, though they did not confirm if the work was already finished.

Ismaila Fadera, the students’ union president, raised concerns about cafeteria closures with Vice Chancellor Robinson on October 20. Fadera quoted Robinson as saying that while a cafeteria enhances the student experience, it is not a necessity. Robinson noted that he carried his own water and food as a student and suggested that students should be told the reality of the situation. The ministry later stated that cafeterias were ready to serve students and staff, but it provided no details on meal prices or availability at specific facilities.

Facilities issues are also affecting students in practical training programs. Abubacarr Manneh, president of the University of The Gambia Medical Students Association, said medical, nursing, and postgraduate nursing students face overcrowded classrooms and inadequate ventilation at the School of Medicine in Banjul. He cited shortages of projectors and smartboards, as well as malfunctioning electrical sockets. Manneh expressed concern over the lack of a promised simulation laboratory, which is essential for developing clinical skills. He told Al Jazeera that practical sessions are vital for professional training and better patient care.

Sukai Fatajo, a journalism student who participated in the protest, said the school needs radio and television studios to help students develop practical skills. She stated that students deserve better conditions and that their demands must be met. The students’ union has also called for functional science laboratories, improvements to medical school facilities, and adequate staffing across the university.

The commute risks have also become a safety concern for some students. Kumba Leigh, a journalism student, was attacked by a knife-wielding assailant in her hometown of Bakau in April. She was walking to a bus stop to secure a seat when the attacker threatened her and struck her on the head and shoulder. He cut her bag and dislocated her right arm before a nearby shopkeeper intervened. Leigh still experiences pain and trauma from the incident. She told Al Jazeera that no one should risk their life to travel to school, calling for stronger security and increased police patrols.

The ministry said it will continue working with the university, the students’ union, and other stakeholders to monitor the implementation of these changes. The next step involves ensuring that the 20 new buses operate reliably and that the internet connection to the new schools is completed as promised.