Recruitment Of New VC Back In Motion At UTG

Following a previous directive ordering a halt in the recruitment process of a new vice chancellor for the University of The Gambia, a new directive has been issued for the process to continue, dependable sources told The Standard.

The old directive had asked for a halt to the process to allow the cabinet sub-committee on the UTG Administration to “continue and conclude its work” as its “findings may provide important guidance” for the UTG’s leadership arrangements.

But the new , signed by Abdoulie Jafuneh Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service, reads: “Pursuant to the ongoing administrative and governance conflict involving the UTG Governing Council and Managemint, His Excellency President  Adama Barrow has taken due note of the legal opinion provided therein and has accordingly, directed the Governing Council to continue with the advertisement of the Vice Chancellor position, and to “promptly conduct the annual performance appraisal” for the current vice chancellor Professor Herbert Robinson in accordance with his appointment letter.

However, a source familiar with the issue informed The Standard that the Governing Council has recently met to deliberate on the appraisal process on the current VC Professor Robinson whose current term ends in January but the VC reportedly objected to the appraisal process and citing concerns about procedural fairness, inadequate prior notice and insufficient preparation time.

According to our source, Prof Robinson also argued that the assessment of his performance should be based on his appointment letter and performance targets agreed upon at the time of his appointment, as opposed to a framework he argued, that is developed for future vice chancellors.