Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Two former lecturers of the University of The Gambia (UTG), Dr. Alieu Gibba and Professor Matarr Njie, have filed a lawsuit for GMD 5,000,000 against the university, claiming they were wrongfully terminated from their positions. The lawsuit, filed at the Kanifing Industrial Tribunal, accuses the institution of unjustly dismissing the academics over allegations of spreading false claims about UTG’s promotion process.

Dr. Gibba, who holds a PhD in Business and Agricultural Economics, and Professor Njie, an Associate Professor of Economics, both served UTG for several years. Dr. Gibba had been a full-time lecturer for 11 years, while Professor Njie had worked at the university for 8 years.

They argue that their dismissals, following accusations of misconduct related to social media comments, were unlawful and in violation of natural justice principles.

In their legal action, the two plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that their dismissal was unfair, malicious, and breached their employment contracts. They are also demanding reinstatement to their positions at the university, along with compensation for reputational damage and emotional distress.

The plaintiffs have requested damages totaling GMD 5,000,000, as well as legal and administrative fees of GMD 200,000.

The dispute centers on a letter sent to the plaintiffs on July 10, 2024, by UTG’s Acting Registrar, Bobo Baldeh, accusing them of spreading false information on social media. The plaintiffs argue that the letter lacked specific details on the allegations, making it impossible to mount a defense.

Following their response to the charges, a disciplinary hearing was scheduled for August 23, 2024, but the plaintiffs claim the hearing was fraught with issues, including an improperly constituted panel and a lack of evidence to support the allegations against them.

“The disciplinary panel included members of the UTG Senate and Governing Council, entities that were themselves implicated in the allegations,” the plaintiffs contend. “This created an appearance of bias, violating the principles of fairness and natural justice.”

The lawsuit also highlights the emotional and professional toll the dismissal has taken on the plaintiffs. Both Dr. Gibba and Professor Njie argue that the false allegations have tarnished their reputations and damaged their standing in the academic community, particularly among their students.

The plaintiffs maintain that the burden of proof lies with UTG, emphasizing the legal principle “He who asserts must prove.” They further contend that the accusations have sparked public outrage, particularly on social media, and have caused severe damage to their professional and personal lives.

In addition to the lawsuit, Dr. Gibba and Professor Njie are calling for immediate reinstatement to their teaching positions and an independent, external investigation into their case to ensure a fair and just resolution.

“This has been a travesty of justice,” they said. “We have been subjected to emotional distress, and it is in the interest of fairness and equity that we are reinstated, compensated for damages, and provided with a fair hearing.”

The case, which is set to be heard at the Kanifing Industrial Tribunal, will examine whether the dismissals were legally justified or whether the university violated the plaintiffs’ rights to a fair and impartial process.