By: Aja Beyai
Tensions boiled over at the University of The Gambia (UTG) as law students escalated their protest by suspending all academic activities indefinitely, demanding an end to what they describe as unauthorized encroachment by the School of Journalism and Digital Media on their dedicated faculty building.
The conflict erupted after journalism students reportedly removed office labels from the Faculty of Law building and placed a signboard bearing their school’s name at the entrance—actions law students claim were carried out on instructions from university facilities authorities, without consultation with the Faculty of Law dean or representatives.
Ebrima Jarju, President of the Law Students’ Association (LSA), expressed deep frustration over the exclusion. “We are deeply concerned that university management held a meeting with the School of Journalism and Digital Media regarding the use and status of the Faculty of Law building without involving the Dean of the Faculty of Law or representatives of the faculty,” Jarju stated.
The situation worsened on March 2, when journalism students allegedly held an orientation session in the law faculty’s auditorium without permission, disrupting scheduled law lectures. Law students also reported being denied access to their executive office while journalism counterparts were granted entry to theirs, heightening accusations of unfair treatment and bias.
In a strongly worded statement, the LSA insisted that “the Faculty of Law building must remain clearly designated for the faculty it was established to serve. A single building cannot simultaneously represent two different schools without an agreement and proper administrative procedure.”
The dispute has reached a critical point, with the Dean of the Faculty of Law reportedly threatening to resign if the alleged disrespect and disregard for the faculty’s authority continue unresolved. “The seriousness of this matter is reflected in the fact that the Dean… has indicated his potential resignation,” the LSA noted.
Students have called for the immediate removal of the disputed signboard and a halt to any shared use of the building absent mutual consent and formal processes. They warned of potential further academic protests if demands are not met swiftly.
The University of The Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU) has issued a call for calm amid rising tensions over facility allocation at the Faraba Banta Campus, urging all parties to engage in dialogue.
As the standoff continues, university management faces mounting pressure to intervene decisively, restore equitable access to facilities, and preserve institutional harmony. The outcome could set a precedent for how resource disputes are handled across UTG’s growing campuses.
