By Aja Beyai
The University of The Gambia students are currently experiencing a serious academic crisis. The Faculty and Staff Association strike continues, resulting in widespread disruptions to educational activities.
The strike, which began on December 2, 2024, follows the dismissal of two lecturers, ongoing disputes related to the promotion process, and allegations of corruption within the institution.
Due to the strike, semester exams have been postponed, raising anxiety among students concerned about their academic futures.
In response to the situation, the Student Union, led by Student Union President Nyianinka Manjang, organized a peaceful protest on Monday to express their concerns and demand immediate action.
During the protest, Manjang highlighted the strike’s detrimental impact on students, particularly those enrolled in the School of Business and Public Administration, where classes and exams have been significantly interrupted.
The Student Union urges university management and the Faculty and Staff Association to resolve their differences swiftly to mitigate further adverse effects on students’ education.
Various student associations have supported the protest, including the Economic and Management Students’ Association and the Agricultural and Environmental Students’ Association. Together, they call on the Vice-Chancellor, government officials, and senior management to prioritize student welfare and ensure the resumption of academic activities without further delays.
The Student Union has submitted a petition to university management, advocating for a respectful resolution to the crisis while emphasizing that students should not suffer the consequences of the ongoing conflict between faculty and administration.
As the situation develops, students remain hopeful for a prompt resolution that will allow them to continue their education without additional disruptions.
