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The University of The Gambia (UTG) has announced emergency measures to address students' concerns over food, water, internet and transportation, following a peaceful protest by the Students' Union on Monday, 26 October 2026. In a statement on Tuesday, 27 October, management said it had taken immediate steps while pursuing sustainable solutions to challenges affecting welfare and academic activities. The measures followed a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) on Saturday, 24 October. Food: UTG said it contacted existing and prospective vendors to resume operations where catering was unavailable. As of Tuesday, a food vendor was operating at each of its six schools. Some vendors were contacted late Saturday, others on Monday, to improve access to food on campus. Water: The university purchased and installed 14 water dispensers on Sunday, 25 October, for distribution across schools, tested on Monday. Management also purchased 100 filled dispenser bottles and delivered them to Faraba Campus, with consumption to be monitored and supplies replenished as needed. However, UTG acknowledged the measures would not resolve underlying water challenges. Discussions with NAWEC are ongoing for a more reliable solution, with progress expected next week. Internet: Management engaged its internet provider to introduce a temporary fix at the Faculty of Law and the Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, where connectivity was particularly poor. Work commenced Monday, 26 October, and was scheduled for completion Tuesday. The provider undertook the work on a pro bono basis. UTG admitted the intervention was temporary and said it is working with stakeholders for a sustainable solution. Reliable internet is critical for research and access to learning materials. Transport: MoHERST and Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) agreed to deploy the full fleet of 20 buses daily in line with their contract. UTG said it will monitor daily deployment and provide feedback. Management said it remains committed to improving conditions and will provide further updates.
The University of The Gambia (UTG) has announced emergency measures to address students' concerns over food, water, internet and transportation, following a peaceful protest by the Students' Union on Monday, 26 October 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, 27 October, management said it had taken immediate steps while pursuing sustainable solutions to challenges affecting welfare and academic activities.
The measures followed a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) on Saturday, 24 October.
Food: UTG said it contacted existing and prospective vendors to resume operations where catering was unavailable. As of Tuesday, a food vendor was operating at each of its six schools. Some vendors were contacted late Saturday, others on Monday, to improve access to food on campus.
Water: The university purchased and installed 14 water dispensers on Sunday, 25 October, for distribution across schools, tested on Monday. Management also purchased 100 filled dispenser bottles and delivered them to Faraba Campus, with consumption to be monitored and supplies replenished as needed.
However, UTG acknowledged the measures would not resolve underlying water challenges. Discussions with NAWEC are ongoing for a more reliable solution, with progress expected next week.
Internet: Management engaged its internet provider to introduce a temporary fix at the Faculty of Law and the Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, where connectivity was particularly poor. Work commenced Monday, 26 October, and was scheduled for completion Tuesday. The provider undertook the work on a pro bono basis.
UTG admitted the intervention was temporary and said it is working with stakeholders for a sustainable solution. Reliable internet is critical for research and access to learning materials.
Transport: MoHERST and Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) agreed to deploy the full fleet of 20 buses daily in line with their contract. UTG said it will monitor daily deployment and provide feedback.
Management said it remains committed to improving conditions and will provide further updates.