By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Dozens of in-service teachers from The Gambia College’s Class of 2022/2025 have voiced growing frustration over delays in receiving their attestation documents and updated grade points from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE).
The affected teachers, who completed their in-service training program, say the pending paperwork is hindering their academic and professional advancement. Attestations and accurate grade points are essential for career progression, further studies, and salary adjustments.
Speaking to TAT, one teacher explained: “The main problems we are facing right now are that we haven’t received our attestation documents yet, as well as our grade points that have not been updated. These are documents that are crucial for our academic and professional progression.”
She added that grade points have remained unchanged since October 2025, despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue. “We’ve tried very hard to sort it out to no avail. We have engaged the relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary, MoBSE, with the view to sorting things out, but we haven’t got any positive feedback.”
Another teacher revealed that the group has held three meetings with MoBSE’s Permanent Secretary, but none yielded tangible results. In a statement to TAT, the teachers’ group accused MoBSE of “laxity” in addressing their concerns. They warned that continued inaction could force them to pursue strike action.
The Gambia College, under the oversight of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST), handles teacher training, while the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE manages in-service teachers’ integration, payroll, and professional records.
In response, Permanent Secretary Louis Moses Mendy acknowledged the teachers’ difficulties and assured that MoBSE is working diligently to resolve the matter. He stated that attestations for many have already been issued by The Gambia College, with corresponding grade points updated and back pay disbursed.
“For a good number of the affected teachers cleared by The Gambia College, attestations have been issued, and grade points changed,” Mendy said. He noted that a significant number of teachers are still awaiting clearance from the college. “Once this process is complete, MoBSE will do the needful to issue their attestations and change their grade points.”
Mendy added that the drawbacks (arrears) for cleared teachers have been paid. For those recently cleared, he promised full resolution—including attestations, grade updates, and payments—by the end of this month.
He urged patience, emphasizing the need for careful verification to ensure accurate issuance of documents and processing of updates. “MoBSE must also take care in issuing the teachers with attestations and grade points,” he said, calling on the teachers to bear with the ministry.
The dispute highlights ongoing challenges in teacher training and administrative coordination between institutions in The Gambia’s education sector. In-service programs aim to upgrade practicing teachers’ qualifications, but bureaucratic delays have repeatedly affected graduates.
