Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Office of Vice President Muhammad B. S. Jallow has issued a clarification and apology following public backlash over remarks he made at the National Assembly suggesting that some teachers earn more than members of parliament.
The comments, made during the debate on President Adama Barrow’s State of the Nation Address on March 30, sparked criticism from teachers and education stakeholders, who described the comparison as misleading and disrespectful to the profession.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Office of the Vice President said the remarks were not intended to offend or undermine teachers but were meant to highlight progress made in improving educators’ welfare within the civil service.
“The statement referencing teachers’ remuneration relative to members of the National Assembly was made in good faith, as an expression of appreciation for the significant progress achieved in improving teachers’ welfare,” the statement said.
The vice president also expressed regret over the reaction that followed.
“In light of the concerns raised by the teaching fraternity and the public, His Excellency sincerely regrets any misunderstanding or unintended offense caused by his remarks,” the statement said, adding that he extends “heartfelt apologies to all teachers through the Gambia Teachers’ Union and to anyone who may have been affected.”
The Office further emphasized Jallow’s long association with the education sector, noting that he served for decades as a teacher and later as a senior administrator, including as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
According to the statement, his career reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing the dignity and professional standing of educators.
However, the remarks have continued to draw strong reactions from teachers across the country, many of whom argue that their salaries remain insufficient considering the responsibilities they carry.
Educators say the comparison with National Assembly Members overlooks the broader realities of teachers’ working conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, limited teaching resources, and growing professional demands.
Several teachers also pointed out that allowances cited in discussions about teachers’ pay, such as hardship and double-shift allowances, do not apply to all educators.
Amadou Camara, Chairman of the Gambia Teachers’ Union Regional Executive Committee for Region 1, described the vice president’s earlier comments as misleading.
“It is with great disappointment and dismay that the Vice President would stand before the National Assembly and make statements that mislead not only its members but the entire nation,” Camara said.
He explained that hardship allowances are only provided to teachers serving in remote areas as an incentive, while double-shift arrangements are contractual measures introduced to address teacher shortages rather than standard benefits.
“In Region 1, teachers do not receive any specific allowance. What we have is the basic salary, a retention allowance, and a transport allowance—an entitlement that applies to all civil servants,” he said.
Camara argued that portraying teachers as earning more than lawmakers risks creating a false perception about the profession and could contribute to the continued undervaluation of educators.
“Such statements risk portraying a false image of the teaching profession and may reflect a broader misunderstanding of the critical role teachers play in national development,” he said.
Despite the controversy, the Office of the Vice President reaffirmed Jallow’s commitment to improving the welfare and professional dignity of teachers across The Gambia.
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