Academic staff at the University of Education, The Gambia (UEG), formerly known as Gambia College, have commenced an indefinite sit-down strike, effectively laying down their tools from Monday, 1st June 2026. The action follows a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Gambia College Academic Staff Association (GCASA) after what they describe as prolonged government neglect and administrative failure to address chronic financial woes.
In a formal letter dated 26th May 2026 addressed to the Vice Chancellor, GCASA Secretary General Saikou Omar Jatta warned that staff would boycott all academic activities — both online and offline — until their demands are met. The letter referenced an earlier correspondence on 7th May, noting that despite a 14-day notice period, “there has been no satisfactory progress on the matters presented.”
Staff grievances center on severe financial hardship. According to sources close to the institution, lecturers are owed between D45,000 and D60,000 each in accumulated unpaid allowances. Key issues include no salary increment for academic staff, who were excluded from the government’s recent 30% increase; persistent late payment of salaries; complete non-payment of various allowances; unfulfilled promises by management; and Non-payment for contracted engagements.
The university is reportedly grappling with a monthly expenditure of at least D9 million, while receiving only D2 million in government subvention from the Barrow administration. The shortfall is allegedly covered by student tuition fees, with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) accused of owing the institution nearly D50 million.
Since its transformation into a full university towards the end of 2025 under a Nigerian-born Vice Chancellor, UEG has faced recurring financial instability, particularly regarding staff remuneration. Many lecturers say they can only receive “dry salaries” without allowances, leading to widespread frustration, demotivation, and personal hardships, including rental defaults and family tensions.
Internal sources claim the new administration has prioritized events such as the recent graduation ceremony over clearing staff arrears, further eroding trust.
GCASA expressed hope that management would “urgently resolve the situation to restore normal operations,” but warned of tougher measures if the issues remain unaddressed.
The strike casts fresh doubt on the institution’s readiness for its new status as a university. Students and parents are now anxiously awaiting developments as the 2026 academic calendar faces disruption.
