The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting in Gambia, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) or any other group was behind a recent student protest at the University of The Gambia (UTG). The protest, which took place on Monday, was reportedly sparked by students' concerns over conditions on campus.
According to Dr. Ceesay, the government had no evidence to suggest that the demonstration was politically motivated, and that students had genuine concerns about conditions on campus. The main concerns raised by students included the lack of catering services, inadequate buses, limited internet access, and water supply challenges. Dr. Ceesay emphasized that students had a right to express their grievances, provided their actions remained within the law and were peaceful.
Dr. Ceesay revealed that the government had attempted to engage the student leadership before the demonstration but that the planned meeting did not take place because the student representatives failed to attend. He and Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez had contacted the student union president ahead of the meeting scheduled for Saturday, but the student body did not show up.
The government has taken immediate measures to address the concerns raised by students, including restoring catering services, improving water and internet access, and deploying all 20 buses operated by the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC). The ministry also announced that Professor Gomez would lead a delegation to the Faraba campus to assess progress.
Dr. Ceesay explained that he visited the university during the demonstration at the request of a university administrator who sought his help in calming the situation. He went without his security detail due to his 15-year relationship with the university, where he continues to teach. However, he condemned the reported throwing of stones and hostility directed at him, describing such actions as unacceptable.
The minister rejected suggestions that the protest reflected the mood of all young Gambians, arguing that students had different political affiliations and concerns. He defended government investment in higher education, citing the construction of the Faraba campus and scholarship support, which he said benefits about 70 per cent of UTG students.
On a separate issue, Dr. Ceesay maintained that the government's intention was to improve professional standards in the media rather than gag journalists, adding that consultations and reforms were ongoing. The government's efforts to engage with students and address their concerns have been seen as a positive step towards resolving the issues at the University of The Gambia.
Key points
- The Gambia government has taken steps to address students' concerns at the University of The Gambia, including restoring catering services and improving water and internet access.
- Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay denied any involvement of the opposition UDP in the student protest at the University of The Gambia.
- The student protest at the University of The Gambia was sparked by concerns over conditions on campus, including the lack of catering services and inadequate buses.
