University of The Gambia students protest campus welfare issues

Students at the University of The Gambia (UTG) Faraba Campus staged protests on October 26 over persistent infrastructure and welfare challenges. Led by Student Union President Ismaila Fadera, the demonstrators cited the prolonged closure of the campus cafeteria, inadequate potable water supplies, unreliable internet connectivity, and insufficient transportation services as major obstacles to their academic progress.

In response to the unrest, the Gambian government and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) announced a series of immediate interventions following stakeholder consultations. To address food shortages, catering services are set to resume via interim providers. To mitigate water issues, additional dispensers will be installed, and the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has been directed to implement technical solutions.

Regarding connectivity, the university plans to engage telecommunications providers and utilize the Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMREN). For transportation, the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) is scheduled to deploy its full fleet of 20 buses to improve student mobility.