The Gambia

Reform, Policy Development, Capacity Building, and Infrastructure Development are Key Focus Areas The Inspector General of Police (IGP) of The Gambia Police Force (GPF), Mr Abdoulie Sanyang, delivered...

    By Rohey Jadama, Foroyaa Newspaper     The Secretary General of People’s Democratic for independence and Socialism (PDOIS) has said that deception will no longer be possible, that they have...

Fajara, 16 September 2017    His Excellency, Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The  Gambia will travel to New York to attend the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.    This will be the first time that President Barrow will be participating in the UNGA Summit since coming into office.  This would accord him the opportunity to address the General Assembly and participate in the general debates, while members of his delegation attend other high level sessions.   President Barrow will also meet with Gambians during his visit.     The President and delegation will depart Banjul International Airport tomorrow, Sunday, 17 September 2017 at 10:00 am.  Those invited to see him off are requested to be at the airport half an hour before departure for the usual ceremonies.   

By: Dr. Assan Jallow   I am left worried and concerned having heard the proposed submission made by the Hon. Minister of Finance before deputies at the National Assembly...

  By Alhagie Jobe   The Fatu Network has obtained credible information that President Yahya Jammeh made a last minute cancelation of the scheduled Inter-Party MoU signing ceremony to take...

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has arrived in The Gambia at the start of a two-day trip to West Africa. He was received at the Banjul International Airport...

  Samger Football club have appointed Alagie Basiru Njie as head coach for the 2017/2018 Gambia Football Federation National second division league, The Fatu Network can confirm. Alagie will...

The Law Students Association of the Gambia Technical Training Institute have called on the law students to boycott lectures until the political situation of the country is...

Dear Prof. Dr Faqir Muhammad Anjum,  I am writing this letter to you miles away from home with respect, profound esteem and admiration, I hope my letter will find you in a cheerful frame of attention and the finest, premium of spirits. It is probable that you may perhaps not get time to read this letter; even if you did manage this, I might not get a response from you. Yet I would like to pour my emotion out.    I’m writing this to you in the anticipation that perhaps it would make you step into the shoes of the students who currently are trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea, to bring to your notice about how massively confused they all are.     Of recent I learnt that the University of The Gambia is about to launch Ph.D. programs in various disciplines. As an alumni  of the UTG I think it is  quiet important to bring to your attention matters that need to be solve before embarking on Ph.D. programs in order to make the University of The Gambia a world class university in the sub region and the world at large.     I don’t deny the fact that The University of The Gambia has produced many intellects, brains and will continue to produce who are able and competent enough to compete in the Marketplace of ideas and world market of recruitment as far beyond Pluto. But despite the fact of all those  efforts we still need to double up and tight our belts for a better university we dream.     The other point is that conducting examinations in a rough mode exacts a terrible price. Ideally, examinations should and must examine and determine the nature and depth of learning of a pupil. In other words, it should be a component of quality education. However, here the motto of  getting qualitative education is not observed. If we continue on the same path, we will find ourselves in a fool’s paradise with vacant minds and degrees clinging to hands. These circumstances have compelled students to think – and who knows some might have previously done – of leaving their bachelors whereas some want to go with the flow.  What excellent  features this will pass on to our education system is unambiguously clear to all.    In reality, what happens at the UTG is that students, in attempting to reach their target in a meager time leave topics remain untouched and in this context students take recourse to “Ratification” – memorizing anything without understanding it- to reach their parents expectations.  What ensues is what may be called the trap and vortex of repulsive percentage.    Undoubtedly, this trend will not confer any laurels to our educational picture.    Both lecturers and student find it difficult to access the internet which is a top priority in the world of academia. Since we are in the 21st century where most of the thing are done through internet I see no reason why that priority shouldn’t be provided at the UTG. Similarly, there is no  dedicated computer laboratory for UTG students and internet speeds are slow, limiting downloads.    The average students at the University of The Gambia are facing problems coping with the annual increment on tuition fees associated with university education in the Gambia.    The toilet condition of the university campus Is very bad which both students and lecturers find it very difficult to use. I remember my first day when I visited the toilet at MDI campus I asked my self is this the university we dream and want to see.     The teaching/learning space is very crucial in education. Challenges related to infra-structure include classroom space, poor internet connectivity, interrupted electricity, and lack access to peer-reviewed journal articles. The current infrastructure at both programs needs expansion in order to accommodate the increasing number of students at bachelor’s level.     There are few LCD projectors and no interactive boards. Furthermore, equipment in the skill laboratories are very paramount in learning, these need updating to meet current standards and include mannequins, patient beds, and basic nursing equipment (sphygmomanometers, weighing  scales, thermometers, etc.) for an adequately functioning skills lab. Simulation facilities are available but have older models. The libraries at both programs need upgrading as many of the text books and journals are outdated by ten or more years. Some of the books in these schools are  donated by student alumni association or individual in the Diaspora.    For now the UTG should be working on how to improve their B.Sc. programs. There is no need for the rush. Most of us know what and how it takes to earn a degree in the UTG, the need to establish a research department is apparent. Students would often graduate without writing  research papers because of many reasons. Is just irrational to jump up to offering Master’s program, much more PhD.    At this point in time, the government as a stakeholder should concentrate in regulating the  tertiary educational system by reducing the number of secondary schools and increasing vocational institutions throughout the length and breadth of the country. This is good because it will address the skills shortage in the country and prepare youths with lifelong skills. Taking initiatives to refine education without the resources that needs to be implemented is wholly unrealistic and ensues as a misery in disguise on students. A case in point is the “Ph.D.” proposed program. There is not a single reason for what one should appreciate this opinion. The initiative has turned out ordinary to burn a hole in students’ pockets without giving them a good education in return.    Thank you    By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou    Alumni University of The Gambia  School of Business and Public Administration  Class of 2013 

  I have known Kaddijatou Jabbie since she was a small girl and saw her grow into a self-confident, assertive and determined young lady. An active and focused...

The National Assembly Member for Serrekunda, Honourable Halifa Sallah has called on Gambians to learn from the realities of the past to avoid any recurrence. Hon. Sallah was...

By: Zackline Colley The Brikama Box Bar Mini Stadium has transformed into a bustling center for night football matches, much to the delight of football aficionados in the...

  By Madi Jobarteh   Today April 28 marks the 100th day in office of Chief Servant Adama Barrow. I give a C grade for his performance. This score is...

By Omar Wally Two men Gibril Badjie and Ansu Badjie, supporters of former President, Yahya Jammeh’s Alliance For Patriotic Reorientation and Construction Party (APRC) have been arrested by...

April 10/11 Memorial Foundation Press Release /08/2018 We believe that the victims of the former regime deserve recognition in the new dispensation; which is why during the first commemoration of...

Abdoukarim Jammeh, one of April 10--11 student victims has called on the Barrow Administration to support them after suffering in silence for over two decades. Jammeh who limps...

Gambia’s Army chief will stay in his position and continue his job according to Gambia’s new President Adama Barrow. At a his first press conference on Saturday after...

By Bakary B Sanneh The outcome of the just concluded elections has made me very proud of Gambians. Today I can lift my head up with pride and majestically...

The great Jali Amadou “Bansang" Jobarteh was born before the first World War at Wuli Tambasansang in the Upper River Region, URR. He was the son of...

Cherno Njie, the financier of December 30th coup plot, has told The Standard over the weekend that President Adama Barrow must decide whether he is a coalition...