By Aja Beyai
The University of the Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU) will organize a peaceful protest on Monday, December 9, 2024, in response to the ongoing sit-down strike by the University of the Gambia Faculty and Staff Association (UTGFSA).
The protest, scheduled from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, will commence at Westfield (Ice Man Junction) and culminate at the university’s Kanifing Campus.
This will be the second protest in the space of one week following Monday’s protest by concerned students from the University of The Gambia (UTG), particularly those in the School of Business and Public Administration.
They expressed disappointment with the administration’s handling of the two lecturers’ dismissals.
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.
The strike has significantly disrupted academic and administrative operations, postponing exams and other activities.
The UTGSU surveyed students on December 6, 2024, to address their concerns. Of 2,369 respondents, 60.6% (1,436 students) preferred postponing semester exams from December 9 to January 6, 2025, while 39.4% wished to retain the original exam schedule.
Following these results, the Union, in collaboration with faculty association leaders, advocates for the proposed delay and has initiated discussions with the university administration.
The Taskforce Committee overseeing the protest has emphasized that the event will adhere to legal guidelines, urging students to maintain a respectful and peaceful atmosphere. The group says the protest’s specific demands will be announced later.
Meanwhile, TAT has learned an emergency meeting involving deans and heads of departments (HoDs) is planned for the same day at 2:00 PM in the Kanifing Campus conference room. The meeting will focus on rescheduling exams and evaluating preparations for forthcoming assessments.
