Former University of The Gambia (UTG) lecturer Dr Alieu Gibba has accused the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) of contributing to the university’s persistent challenges, questioning government decisions on campus relocation, funding and the expansion of public universities.

Dr Gibba said it was unfair to move academic staff and students to the Faraba Banta campus while the university’s management remained in Kanifing, arguing that essential services were not fully available when the relocation took place.

He said he had warned higher education authorities about the premature move three years ago, but his concerns were ignored.

“I completely blame MoHERST for all these University of The Gambia persistent problems,” Dr Gibba said, questioning why the relocation proceeded before the necessary facilities were fully in place.

He also alleged that his earlier criticism was presented to President Adama Barrow as politically motivated, with some people claiming he had political ambitions and opposed the government.

Beyond the campus challenges, Dr Gibba raised concerns about the departure of academic and management staff, saying some had left for opportunities at institutions including the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, Euclid University, the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation and private-sector organisations.

He argued that the loss of experienced personnel could further complicate efforts to strengthen the university.

Dr Gibba also questioned the decision to convert the Gambia Technical Training Institute, the Management Development Institute and Gambia College into universities while UTG continued to struggle financially.

He maintained that government should have prioritised reforming and adequately funding UTG before expanding the public university system.

According to Dr Gibba, UTG, despite operating for 27 years, remains heavily dependent on tuition fees and bank overdrafts to meet salary and operational costs.

He further claimed that MoHERST owed the university D122 million in scholarship arrears as of December 2025.

He questioned how the institution could resolve its internal problems while facing financial constraints and outstanding payments.

Dr Gibba also raised concerns about reported tensions between Vice Chancellor Professor Herbert Robinson, Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez and the university’s Governing Council, arguing that strained working relationships could make resolving the institution’s challenges more difficult.

His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of conditions at UTG, following student protests over water supply, internet connectivity, cafeteria services and transportation.

The university management has since announced measures to address some of the concerns, including installing water dispensers, restoring food services across its six schools and working to improve internet connectivity.

Dr Gibba argued that stronger investment, better planning and institutional reform were essential to securing UTG’s future and improving higher education in The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba