Students of the University of The Gambia Medical School have expressed frustration and dismay over a three-month delay in their curriculum, particularly affecting clinical students preparing for their Surgery Posting.
Despite efforts to address the issue with university authorities, including the Vice Chancellor, the Ag. Provost of the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (SMAHS), and the Surgery Department of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), the situation remains unresolved.
In a statement released by the University of The Gambia Medical Students Association, they highlighted the lack of response and action from university officials, stating that their cries and pleas have been disregarded. The association described the delay as a “great masquerade” and emphasized that students have become victims of a battle between the Surgery Department, demanding a full-time appointment from the university, and university officials unwilling to meet their demands.
The Vice-Chancellor reportedly suggested that students could afford to wait for up to a year for a resolution, while the Ag. Provost expressed helplessness, stating that his hands were tied. This apparent conflict of interest between the university and the Surgery Department has left students feeling neglected and unsupported in their pursuit of education and training.
The students have called for immediate action to address the delay, emphasizing the impact on their academic and professional growth. They demand accountability from university authorities and have threatened to hold a press conference and protest if their concerns are not addressed promptly.
The association expressed concern that the issue of lecturer unavailability, leading to curriculum delays, may affect other departments in the future. They called for a permanent and holistic solution to prevent further setbacks in their education and future careers.
