By Saikou Suwareh Jabai
At least 545 students who opted for the University of The Gambia (UTG) were on 
Wednesday, 26 August, 2015, oriented by the institution’s administration at the Faculty of Law in Kanifing as they prepare to begin the academic year 2015/2016.
In his introductory remarks, the Register of the UTG, Mr. Taro, said the day marks the initial point of transition for the new students and said they deserve to be admitted at the UTG as they can bring something new and exciting to this diverse learning community.
As the registrar of the UTG, Mr. Taro said he is the custodian of all academic records of students and that his office is responsible for the issuance of transcripts, testimonials, attestations, certificates and statements of results. He added that the office of the registrar also prepare course registration forms, register students of various fields and ensure that academic policies and standards are adhered to.
For more comprehensive information on their academic policies, Mr. Taro urged the students to acquaint themselves with the course books of their respective schools. “There is a difference between an admitted student and an enrolled student. Right now most of you are considered admitted students because you have not yet registered. You will become enrolled students once you are registered and this qualifies you to be Bona-fide students of the UTG,” he clarifies.
He said the positions of students in the university are guaranteed as long as they pay their tuition fee and excel academically. Mediocrity and poor performance, he said, will not be tolerated and that they will not hesitate to invoke the relevant sections of their regulations to dismiss students from the UTG if their performances fall short of the requirements. As students of the university, the registrar said they are expected to demonstrate a high sense of discipline, civility and decorum at all times.
While congratulating the new comers, Mr. Taro assured that the UTG management will on its part remain focused on the pursuit of academic excellence through the provision of facilities to aid a meaningful teaching, learning and research.
The President of the UTG Students Union, Mr. Momodou Saliu Sowe, congratulated the students for gaining admission at the UTG, an institution he described as the pride of the country. He said the union was established by an Act of Parliament to promote the general students welfare by creating a vibrant union which can actively execute the duties and responsibilities, participation, academic and cultural issues which are of interest to its members and humanity in general. He added that the union also aims to work towards maintaining a cohesive bond among students and between staff and administration of the UTG in a bid to promote quality, access and relevant education for a better Gambia.
He advised the students to be guided by their principles, mission and vision in life for that is the true secret to overcoming obstacles. He encouraged the students to make best use of their stay in the UTG and participate actively in the programs and activities of the union. “Education in the 21st century is beyond what happens in the classroom and to enhance your skills and interpersonal relationship, communications, and teamwork, extracurricular activities will be required,” he said, adding that membership is open to all students of the UTG.
In his address, the acting Vice Chancellor of the UTG, Professor Mustapha I.A. Kalil, in welcoming the freshmen and women to the university, said as students, they are major stakeholders of the institution and that without them the UTG cannot exist. He said his office is always open to students to address their needs and pressing issues at all times.
While describing the students privileged to be admitted to the university, the acting Vice Chancellor said the development of any nation in all aspect comes from the university. He said the UTG has a high caliber of lecturers and all it takes is to develop the students to the highest level.
He added that the institution will remain committed in ensuring the atmosphere of learning to be conducive for all students at any learning endeavor.
Other speakers included the various heads of schools and departments who all gave an overview, roles and functions of their respective domains. The respective schools will hold their various orientations in their schools during the course of this week.]]>
