Thierno Mbaye, the newly installed Director of the Centre des Œuvres Universitaires de Saint-Louis (CROUS) at the Université Gaston Berger (UGB), has taken a proactive approach to addressing the institution's challenges. With a focus on social dialogue, inclusion, and budgetary rigor aligned with national ambitions, Mbaye aims to bring about a significant change in management. His strategy involves engaging with students and staff to understand their concerns and develop effective solutions.
Upon assuming his position, Mbaye conducted a thorough inspection of the campus social facilities, accompanied by members of the student social commission. The visit covered various aspects, including housing, sanitation, environment, and the state of university restaurants. In response to the urgent needs arising from heavy rainfall, Mbaye promptly issued instructions to the relevant services, and teams were mobilized to clear the campus alleys and sanitize the habitat blocks.
The new CROUS Director has also engaged in a significant consultation with the intersyndicale (union) representatives of the institution. This meeting, described as rich and sincere, allowed for the establishment of an inclusive management framework. The union delegates raised several long-standing concerns, including the securitization of agents in the exercise of their functions, improvement of personnel transportation, regulation of the internal rules, and promotion of diploma-holding agents.
Mbaye has shown sensitivity to these requests and encouraged the unionists to redouble their efforts to better serve the community. He validated the principle of establishing new mechanisms and a modernized work plan to optimize the functioning of CROUS. This approach aligns with the directives of the Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, under the new national reference framework "Sénégal 2050".
To ensure transparent and efficient management, Mbaye has initiated a comprehensive audit of CROUS's human and financial resources. This measure aims to rationalize resources and align with the national ambitions outlined in "Sénégal 2050". The audit is expected to bring about a more efficient use of resources and improved governance.
The new Director's approach has been characterized by a willingness to listen and engage with stakeholders, while also demonstrating managerial intransigence aimed at restoring the reputation of the UGB campus in Saint-Louis. Mbaye's strategy focuses on co-constructing concrete solutions with all actors, emphasizing that the university is primarily a "social work".
As the UGB community adjusts to the new management under Thierno Mbaye, the emphasis on dialogue, efficiency, and transparency is expected to yield positive outcomes. The CROUS Director's commitment to addressing the institution's challenges and improving the living conditions of students and staff is clear. With these efforts, Mbaye aims to create a more conducive environment for learning and growth at the Université Gaston Berger.
Key points
- Thierno Mbaye's management approach prioritizes dialogue and efficiency
- A comprehensive audit has been initiated to rationalize CROUS's resources
- The new Director aims to restore the reputation of the UGB campus in Saint-Louis
