The Executive Committee of the University of The Gambia Faculty and Staff Association (UTGFSA) has approved the establishment and appointment of a new UTGFSA Advisory Committee, which will provide strategic advice, institutional guidance and support to the Association in the discharge of its mandate.
The Advisory Committee replaces the UTGFSA Taskforce Committee, an ad hoc body established during the last three-week sit-down strike following the dismissal of two members of staff of the University of The Gambia.
The Taskforce played a significant role during the industrial action, particularly in facilitating dialogue, engaging stakeholders and negotiating on the demands of staff. Its work contributed to the eventual restoration of dialogue, stability and normalcy within the University community.
The new Advisory Committee will be chaired by Professor Banna Sawaneh, Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA), who also served as Chairperson of the former Taskforce Committee. The Committee comprises Deans, Heads of Schools and other experienced and influential members of the UTG community.
Speaking on the appointment, UTGFSA President Mr Yorro Njie said the composition of the Advisory Committee was guided by the members’ experience, institutional knowledge, professional standing and contributions to the University over the years.
He particularly highlighted the contributions of several members during the tenure of the previous Executive Committee, as well as their important roles in the Taskforce negotiations during the three-week sit-down strike.
Mr Njie also acknowledged the important roles played by Professor Momodou Mustapha Fanneh and Madam Nahla Tambedu, the current Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the UTG Governing Council, respectively. He noted that their appointments came at a critical period, with a clear responsibility to help restore peace, stability and tranquillity at the University. He further commended their respective contributions to the efforts that helped facilitate dialogue and restore stability within the UTG community during this challenging period.
“The experience and institutional knowledge of these individuals will be valuable to the Association as we continue to navigate complex issues currently affecting our members and the University,” Mr Njie stated.
He added that the current Executive Committee remains committed to dialogue, consultation and negotiation, while stressing that such engagement must not compromise the governance, the legitimate interests and welfare of UTG staff.
“Our Executive is built on the principle of dialogue and negotiation, but not to the disadvantage of our members. Where an issue or meeting is against the general interest of UTG staff, the welfare and interests of our members will come first,” he said.
The Advisory Committee will serve as a strategic advisory body to the UTGFSA Executive Committee. It will provide guidance on matters relating to institutional governance, staff welfare, industrial relations, policy, administration and other issues with significant implications for the Association and its members.
The Committee will also draw on its collective institutional experience to assist the Executive Committee in addressing complex matters and strengthening constructive engagement between UTGFSA, the University Administration, the UTG Governing Council and other relevant stakeholders.
Unlike the previous UTGFSA Taskforce, which was established specifically to respond to the circumstances surrounding the sit-down strike, the Advisory Committee is intended to provide ongoing institutional advice and support to the Association.
The establishment of the Committee therefore marks a transition from a crisis-response mechanism to a more permanent structure aimed at strengthening the Association’s institutional capacity and decision-making.
The UTGFSA Executive Committee considers the establishment of the Advisory Committee an important step towards promoting inclusive consultation, institutional continuity, experience-based decision-making and constructive engagement.
The Association has expressed appreciation to all members of the Advisory Committee for accepting the responsibility and looks forward to their guidance and support as UTGFSA continues to advocate for the interests, rights and welfare of faculty and staff of the University of The Gambia.