By Aja Beyai
On Monday morning, students from the University of The Gambia (UTG), particularly those in the School of Business and Public Administration, protested, expressing their disappointment with the administration’s handling of the two lecturers dismissals.
Under Vice-Chancellor Professor Herbert Robinson’s leadership, students voiced their frustrations about the unfair dismissal of active lecturers, which they believe undermines their education.
The protest highlighted several key issues, particularly regarding the timing of the university’s decision to replace the dismissed lecturers as the end of the semester approaches. Students found this decision unsatisfactory, arguing that having to redo assessments for courses already evaluated through tests and assignments disrupts their academic progress.
Additionally, students noted a lack of contact hours in certain courses following the dismissal of a lecturer on November 15, 2024, emphasizing the negative impact this has had on their learning experience.
Alieu K. Darboe, a concerned student, stated, “If the UTG lecturers are saying justice for their colleague, why not the student? They are impacting knowledge on us.”
He added that students are committed to fighting for justice, underscoring the importance of their education.”
Ousman Fatty, also a student of the UTG, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the interconnectedness of students and lecturers means that any issue affecting one group ultimately impacts the others.
He stressed the need for justice within the university, stating, “Whatever affects us will affect the lecturers either directly or indirectly.”
Mariama Fofana, a Business and Public Administration student said that it’s common for students to dismiss their lecturers at the end of a semester, saying, “We need our lecturers back.”
Mariama Fofana, a Business and Public Administration student said it’s unfair to dismiss their lecturers at the end of a semester, stating, “We need our lecturers back.”
The students are calling for the restoration of standards and democracy at UTG and the prevention of further losses of valued lecturers in future semesters. Their protest addresses their immediate concerns and emphasizes the broader implications for the future of education in The Gambia.
Shortly after the dismissal of two prominent lecturers, UTG VC requested the deployment of police officers due to heightened tensions surrounding the issue after students and faculty members threatened a protest.
