University of The Gambia students protest transport woes and campus conditions
Hundreds of students rallied at the University of The Gambia demanding better transport, facilities and leadership changes.
Students voice frustration over daily commute
For Muhammed Lamin Jallow, a student in the School of Arts and Sciences, reaching class involves a 40 km (25 mile) trip from his home to the Faraba Banta campus, relying on university buses that are often full.
“Sometimes, it feels like survival of the fittest,” Jallow told Al Jazeera, describing the competition for seats, standing room and the chance to attend lectures.
Protest targets transport, facilities and leadership
On Monday, hundreds of students gathered at the University of The Gambia (UTG) and marched to the vice‑chancellor’s office. Their grievances included:
Inconsistent and overcrowded bus service.
Limited access to safe drinking water.
Insufficient affordable food options.
Unreliable internet connectivity.
Calls for Vice Chancellor Herbert Robinson and the director of student affairs to step down.
Government response and promised improvements
Following the demonstration, Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez visited the campus with university officials and representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology announced that the Gambia Transport Service Company had deployed 20 buses to support student transportation.
Regarding water safety, the ministry said additional filtration is needed to make campus water drinkable, and water jars and dispensers have been placed at designated points after consulting the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
On food services, the ministry confirmed that cafeterias across the university are ready to serve students and staff.
For internet access, work is underway to extend connectivity to the newly built Schools of Agriculture and Law, with completion expected within a week.
Students’ demands remain
While lectures have resumed after the government’s promises, the Students’ Union says the issues affect more than 12,000 students who rely on university buses. The call for the resignation of the vice‑chancellor and the director of student affairs remains unresolved.
The protest highlights ongoing challenges faced by students at UTG as they seek reliable transport, safe facilities and accountable leadership.
