Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Ismaila Fadera has been elected President of the University of The Gambia Student Union (UTG-SU), securing a decisive victory in a tightly contested election that has generated significant excitement across campus.
Official results show that Fadera garnered 1,801 votes, defeating his closest challenger, who polled 1,573 votes, giving him a margin of 228 votes. The outcome sparked celebrations among supporters, with chants and gatherings reported shortly after the announcement.
Fadera, a 400-level Development Studies student at the School of Arts and Sciences, is widely known within the university community for his leadership as President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Students’ Association (SoSHSA).
His tenure there earned him recognition for strong advocacy on student welfare and representation, which observers say contributed to his strong showing at the polls.
In his declaration of intent ahead of the elections, Fadera positioned his candidacy around service-driven leadership, inclusivity, and accountability.
Running under the banner of the UTG Inter-School Alliance for Change, he pledged to strengthen student representation, promote academic and welfare interests, and foster a more responsive student union.
“I believe the UTG Students’ Union must continue to stand as a united voice for students, championing their welfare, protecting their interests, and creating opportunities that empower them to thrive academically and socially,” he said in his campaign statement.
The election also saw the Inter-School Alliance for Change secure a commanding position within the student leadership, winning 7 out of the 12 contested seats. This majority is expected to consolidate the alliance’s influence over student governance and policy direction at the university.
Other elected members of the new UTG-SU executive include Adama Ndow as Vice President, Muhammed Bah as Secretary General, Ebrima Mbaye as Information and Communications Officer, Fatou Darboe as Education and Research Officer, Aisha Bah as Auditor, and Nyima Sanyang as Gender and Health Officer.
The alliance’s victory reflects strong backing from the student body, particularly on its campaign promises centered on reform, accountability, and improved welfare services.
With the election concluded, attention now shifts to Fadera and his team as they prepare to assume office amid heightened expectations to deliver tangible changes and address longstanding student concerns at the University of The Gambia.
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