The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has announced concrete steps to tackle longstanding student complaints over transport, water, catering and internet access at the University of The Gambia’s Faraba Banta Campus.
The Honorable Minister, Professor Pierre Gomez, led a multi-agency team that included senior MoHERST officials, UTG representatives and staff from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on an assessment visit. The group toured faculties, the university library and catering facilities to verify conditions and agree on both immediate fixes and longer-term solutions.
On transport, the Gambia Transport Service Company has placed 20 buses into service to improve student access to the campus. For water, the visit confirmed that supply volumes are higher than many students expected, but the water needs additional filtration before it is safe to drink. As an interim measure, the team has already installed water jars and dispensers at key points across the campus. The National Water and Electricity Company has been formally engaged, and a private firm has been contacted to install a permanent filtration system.
Catering services were also reviewed. Ministry officials stated that all cafeterias serving the various schools and faculties are now fully operational and able to meet the needs of the entire university community.
Internet connectivity received particular attention. MoCDE officials examined the existing infrastructure and recommended utilizing the fiber-optic capacity provided under the Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMREN), which offers 12 GB of bandwidth. Connectivity is already available in Lots 1 and 2. Gamtel teams are on site to extend the network to the newly constructed Schools of Agriculture and Law; technical staff estimate they will complete the work within one week. The upgrade is expected to deliver faster, more reliable access for research and teaching.
MoHERST emphasized that reliable transport, safe drinking water, adequate food services and dependable internet are essential for a proper learning environment. The ministry said it will continue coordinating with UTG management, the Students’ Union, MoCDE, NAWEC and other partners to monitor implementation and resolve any remaining issues.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue and practical measures that support student welfare and the quality of higher education in The Gambia.
