Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA) – Students at the University of The Gambia’s School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (SMASH) have secured improvements in campus facilities and access to essential services following their recent protest and petition to university authorities.
The University of The Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU) said on Wednesday, November 4, that faulty air conditioners had been repaired, electrical sockets restored, and the water supply to campus toilets reinstated.
Two water dispensers are also expected to be provided to improve students’ access to drinking water.
In a further development, an arrangement has been reached with the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) to allow SMASH students to use its cafeteria and library.
Access to the hospital’s library is expected to ease congestion at the existing campus library and provide students with additional study space.
More Improvements Expected Within A Week
The students’ union said the university’s Facilities Department had been given one week to address other outstanding infrastructure concerns raised in the petition. The department is also expected to submit a written report detailing the actions taken.
The update followed a visit to the Banjul Campus by Higher Education Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez, who engaged students and university officials on their concerns and the conditions of their learning environment.
The minister was accompanied by senior ministry officials, while the University of The Gambia was represented by its Governing Council Chairman, Registrar, and Students’ Union leadership.
In its statement, the UTGSU welcomed the progress but said it would continue monitoring the implementation of the remaining commitments to ensure that the improvements are sustained.
The developments follow a peaceful student protest and petition demanding better facilities and improved welfare conditions at SMASH.
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