Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Months-long delays in government stipend payments are forcing Gambian students studying abroad into debt, with many saying they have had to borrow money to cover rent, food, transportation and other basic living expenses while waiting for funds promised under government scholarship programmes.
The growing financial strain came to light during Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, where a Gambian student appealed to the Ministries of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) and Finance, as well as Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, to urgently intervene and facilitate the release of the outstanding stipend payments.
Students Struggling to Survive
According to the student, the last stipend payment covered only the months of March and April. Although July is already underway, no additional payments have been made, leaving many scholarship beneficiaries struggling to make ends meet.
“Living abroad is not easy. Every day, many of us are forced to borrow money from friends, colleagues and even lecturers just to afford food, transportation, accommodation and other basic necessities,” the student said.
The student explained that months without financial support have left many beneficiaries burdened with debt accumulated simply to remain in school. Even if the outstanding stipends were released immediately, the student estimated that nearly 75 percent of the money would be used to repay loans rather than meet current living expenses.
“About 75 percent of the stipend will go straight to paying back the people who have supported us,” the student added.
Frustration Over Funding Delays
Students also expressed frustration over what they described as repeated assurances from MoHERST that the ministry is still awaiting the release of funds from the Ministry of Finance.
“With all due respect, that should not become the burden of students,” the student said, arguing that stipends are meant to provide timely financial support, not compensate for months of hardship caused by administrative delays.
The student stressed that the appeal should not be interpreted as a political statement.
“This is not a political issue. We do not belong to any political party, nor do we wish to politicise our genuine suffering. We are simply asking for what is rightfully ours so that we can continue our education with dignity and peace of mind,” the student said.
Government Promises Action
Responding to the concerns, Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay described the situation as “very painful” and acknowledged the hardships faced by Gambian students studying overseas.
“I know how it feels,” Dr. Ceesay said, recalling his own experience as an international student. “It affects your academic performance.”
The minister said he had previously discussed the issue with Higher Education Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez and pledged to engage the relevant authorities again to expedite the release of the delayed funds.
“We will do everything within our powers to make sure that we resolve this issue as soon as possible,” he said.
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