The Ministry of Higher Education is working hard to forestall a planned strike called for today by the University of The Gambia Students’ Union over catering, water supply and other conditions.
MoHERST claimed on Saturday evening that a series of engagements have taken place on immediate measures to address concerns over catering services, water supply, internet connectivity and transportation at the University of The Gambia (UTG).
In its statement, the government said the agreed interventions were aimed at improving students’ welfare and creating a more conducive learning environment.
On catering, the government announced that services would be restored immediately, with previous caterers or alternative providers expected to resume operations today Monday, while the university continues the process of securing long-term service providers.
It said to address water shortages, the university will provide additional water dispensers across campus, while the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) and university management have been directed to work together on sustainable solutions to improve water supply.
“Regarding internet connectivity, the university is expected to engage telecommunications providers to improve campus access. It will also maximise the use of the Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMEN) to facilitate internet access and access to global educational and research resources”.
On transportation, the government said the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) would deploy its full fleet of 20 buses from today Monday to ease the difficulties students face commuting to and from campus.
But Ismaila Fadera, the president of UTGSU, questioned the timing and nature of the engagement, saying the Union deliberately chose not to participate because the meeting was convened only after its protest announcement became public, despite weeks of prior engagement with the authorities.
“Students deserve transparency, and it is important to distinguish between a meeting held in response to the announced protest and the meaningful engagement we had been calling for long before the protest was announced,” Fadera said.
In its call for solidarity issued on Sunday evening, the Union urged students across the university to unite behind the planned demonstration, arguing that collective action is necessary to secure lasting solutions.
”Students have endured persistent transportation difficulties, inadequate food, limited access to potable water and poor internet connectivity since relocating to the Faraba Campus. These challenges had disrupted students’ academic activities, with some missing classes, tests and other important academic commitments because of transportation difficulties,” the student leadership said.
It also expressed concern that nearly two months into the semester, the catering crisis remained unresolved, leaving some students without adequate meals throughout the day.
According to UTGSU, it had repeatedly engaged the relevant authorities in line with its constitutional mandate to protect students’ welfare, but those efforts had not produced the practical results required.
The Union maintained that the protest was intended to provide students with an opportunity to peacefully express their dissatisfaction and submit a petition outlining their concerns.
The government, meanwhile, has encouraged continued dialogue and constructive engagement among stakeholders as implementation of the agreed measures proceeds.
