The University of The Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU) organized a peaceful protest on Monday, 26 October 2026, at the Peace Building located at the University Chancery, Kanifing Campus. This event was officially called for by the UTGSU to highlight the urgent nature of student grievances. Union representatives stated that "students cannot continue to engage in dialogue that yields little tangible progress while their welfare and academic experience continue to suffer." Addressing the administration, the UTGSU declared, "patience must not be mistaken for weakness, and silence must not be demanded in the face of unresolved concerns." The organization further emphasized the urgency of their demands, noting, "these are fundamental student concerns, not privileges for which students should have to plead indefinitely." Participants gathered at the site to demand improvements to student welfare conditions across the university. The peaceful protest served as a platform for the student body to voice their collective dissatisfaction with the current state of campus facilities and support services.
Union Demands Better Conditions
Grievances cited by the University of The Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU) encompass inadequate transportation services, the ongoing closure of the cafeteria at the Faraba Campus, insufficient access to clean drinking water, and persistent internet connectivity problems. The union's grievances included these specific points as core issues requiring immediate remediation. Regarding these conditions, the UTGSU stated, "The Union will not pretend that the situation is satisfactory when students continue to bear the consequences of unresolved challenges." The leadership of the union maintained that these four areas of concern were critical to the daily functioning and success of the student population.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology issued an announcement on 24 October 2026 stating that catering services at the Faraba Campus were scheduled to resume on 26 October 2026. Commenting on the administrative response to campus conditions, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology noted, "These measures form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen service delivery and enhance the overall learning environment for students."
Logistical concerns regarding student travel were addressed by the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC). The company committed to the deployment of its full fleet of 20 buses effective 26 October 2026 to assist with student transportation. This commitment was made to address the specific transportation challenges identified in the union's list of grievances.
Infrastructure issues related to campus utilities also received government attention. Officials directed the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to implement technical solutions intended to improve the water supply for the student population. The government's directive to the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) represents a formal attempt to resolve the persistent issues regarding insufficient access to clean drinking water reported by the student body during the protest. By engaging these specific service providers, the administration aims to mitigate the frustrations expressed by students at the Kanifing Campus and the Faraba Campus alike.
