The University of The Gambia stands at a delicate moment. The recent warning from the Faculty and Staff Association over the planned purchase of six new vehicles worth D25 million for senior administrators is a reminder that timing and priorities matter. While the intention behind the procurement may be well-meaning, the concerns raised by staff about unpaid salaries, overcrowded lecture halls, and under-equipped laboratories deserve careful attention.
Strikes and work stoppages are never in the interest of students or the institution. History, including the 2017 staff strike over similar issues, shows the consequences of neglecting dialogue and staff welfare. The university’s management and the Faculty and Staff Association now have an opportunity to engage in constructive discussion, to ensure that resources are allocated in ways that support teaching, learning, and research.
The planned relocation to the Faraba campus adds urgency to the need for careful planning. Investments in essential infrastructure, transport logistics, and teaching resources must take precedence so that students and staff can continue their work without disruption. Luxury purchases, no matter how well-intentioned, risk sending the wrong message at a time when daily academic realities are already challenging.
UTG’s strength lies in collaboration. By opening channels of communication and addressing staff concerns transparently, the university can avoid conflict and maintain focus on its core mission: providing quality education to Gambians. Dialogue now is not only prudent. It is necessary to keep the academic calendar intact and protect the institution’s reputation.
