A Resilient College Student’s Journey to Vindication

By Sulayman Njie (Sol Slim Njie)

Being young and outspoken can sometimes bring trouble, especially if you’re active in movements like #OccupyWestfield, #DafaDoy, and protests against the large state House budget’s Supplementary Appropriation Bill (demanding the withdrawal of D1.12 billion). As a third-semester college student by then, I believed in putting into practice what I learnt in international relations and politics, including subjects like political science, sociology, and law. I was determined to create spaces for important discussions and lead in any way I could.

However, this determination led me into a situation with two of my teachers, whom I’ll call Mr. English and Mr. History. Mr. English, who taught Business Communication, and Mr. History, who taught Gambian History, were teachers I respected greatly. I actively participated in their classes and completed all my assignments on time.

One Thursday, while finishing a handout after class, the two teachers approached me. They asked me to tell my classmates about a meeting they had planned for Saturday. Unaware of their true intentions, I passed on the message, thinking it was just a normal meeting.

Saturday morning came, and I was shocked by the many missed calls on my phone. Some classmates called to ask if I was leading a protest against the school administration. Confused, I assured them it was just a meeting called by Mr. English and Mr. History.

When I arrived at school, everyone seemed to be talking about me. Many believed I was organising a protest. In the register’s office, the atmosphere was tense. The principal expressed disappointment, having heard I was leading a student protest with the support of Mr. English and Mr. History. I explained everything honestly, from the initial conversation with the teachers to informing my classmates about the meeting.

Despite the confusion, my fellow students supported me, defending my character and insisting that I wouldn’t organise a protest without their knowledge. Throughout the weekend, I talked to my classmates, clarifying the situation. Some even decided to distance themselves from the two teachers.

By Monday, a strict head of examinations held another meeting. This time, my teachers were pressured to admit their part in the situation. When given the choice to resolve the issue at school or involve the police, I chose the police to ensure a thorough investigation. It was important to me that these teachers were held responsible for their actions.I spoke candidly about how Mr. English and Mr. History were not just unfit for their roles but liabilities to the institution, not assets. Mr. History seemed completely taken aback, while Mr. English turned the situation into a dramatic affair, repeatedly stepping out to deal with what he claimed was nasal congestion. Despite his theatrics, I couldn't help but think, "Why is he the one crying? I should be the one devastated here." After two hours of intense discussions, we were excused.

The very next day, the student union called a gathering with all the heads of departments, including mine. The student union president set the scene, allowing me to present my side of the story. As I detailed my experience, their own investigation findings aligned with my account. Other students from different departments confirmed being engaged by the two teachers about the same Saturday meeting. Some even shared Mr. English's boastful claims about the principal's imminent departure, supposedly paving the way for his promotion to school head. It also emerged that Mr. History believed he would ascend to the role of registrar.

It became clear that these teachers were manipulating existing school tensions, hoping students would amplify pressure on the administration. The department heads expressed their apologies to me, recommending the termination of these teachers. Ultimately, both of them were dismissed for their scheming.

The acting student union saw this as a wake-up call, advocating for the establishment of a robust student governance body. They encouraged me to maintain my bravery, focus, and positive spirit throughout any challenge. This moment became a significant release for me and served as an unforgettable lesson in understanding authority and trust.

Reflecting on this true story from my early college days, it wasn't a reality I was proud to have faced, but it's a tale I share to caution others. May no student endure similar trials. As students, we often have stories of frustration within our academic journeys. In my case, my activism was used in an attempt to discredit me, but I stood firm in the truth, and eventually I was vindicated. Since then, teachers have grown to appreciate me more, and my department head has shown greater interest in my welfare and growth.

Through this experience, I learnt a lot about the importance of standing up for the truth and ensuring accountability in any situation.