Gov’t Calls for Dialogue on UTG Impasse as Student’s Union Set to Advocate for Postponement
Senior Government Officials at Press Briefing © Askanwi
By Edward Francis Dalliah
The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, provided an update on the ongoing crisis that emanated from the dismissal of two lecturers last month at the University of the Gambia (UTG).
In a briefing held at the Ministry of Higher Education, yesterday Friday 6th December 2024, the Minister for Higher Education, Prof Pierre Gomez, emphasized that the government, acting as a neutral party, has facilitated multiple engagements with key stakeholders to resolve the situation.
“These [efforts] included separate consultations with the UTG Staff Association and the Student Union, [as well as] joint discussions between both parties to [explore solutions],” said Minister Gomez.
He further asserted that an independent committee was also established, chaired by the Labor Department and with a representative from the University Staff Association, to mediate and develop actionable solutions agreed upon by all parties.
However, the Minister expressed regret that progress had been delayed due to the two lecturers' failure to attend the committee's sessions. But despite this setback, he reassured the public that “the government remains committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution.”
UTG Lecturers Dr Gibba and Prof Njie embroiled in court case © Gambiana
During the subsequent question-and-answer session, our reporter asked the Minister whether the dismissed lecturers, Dr Alieu Gibba and Professor Matarr Njie, had advanced any reasons for failing to attend the committee's sessions.
In response, Minister Gomez revealed that the duo had explained their reasons, and they feel that reinstatement is the only acceptable solution and that dialogue can begin afterwards. Meanwhile, the first court hearing in response to the duo’s claims of unfair dismissal and compensation to the tune of D5.2 million is scheduled to take place on Monday 9th December 2024.
Minister for Higher Education Hon Pierre Gomez © Askanwi
Our reporter has received a communique from the University of The Gambia’s Students’ Union which includes a survey asking students: “Do you want the semester exam to be postponed to 6th January 2025, instead of 9th December 2024?”.
The communique signed by UTG Students Union Secretary General Foday M. Sillah highlights that sixty percent of student respondents opted for the exam to be postponed to 6th January 2025 with only 40% in favor of exams continuing on Monday 9th December 2024. The communique highlights that “the results will guide the Union’s next steps in addressing the impact of the ogoing strike on the academic schedule and advocating the students’ best interest”.
Given the survey results it appears that the UTG Student’s Union will advocate for the postponement of exams to 6th January 2025. Meanwhile, the UTG Staff, Faculty Association have been quoted on the Standard Newspaper rejecting the government’s proposal and resumed strike action which has resulted in the current impasse affecting lectures and exams.
Our medium published an article today clarifying that the Court has not issued an order to date on the reinstatement of the two lecturers. The first court hearing on this issue is set to take place on Monday 9th December 2024. More in the link below. https://www.askanwi.com/feature-publications/factcheck-did-court-order-reinstatement-of-two-utg-staff
