Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- The University of Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (USET) has been embroiled in a series of conflicts between the staff and management since its conversion from the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) in July 2019. These standoffs have led to disruptions in the day-to-day operations of the university and have caused significant strain on the relationships between faculty and management.
In September 2024, the staff of USET embarked on a sit-down strike over unpaid arrears owed to them by management. After a month-long sit-down strike, the Staff Welfare Association of the University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET) accused their management of owing them D1,766,836.00 in unpaid arrears. This led to the intervention of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MOHERST) and the strike was called off. However, a similar allegation has now arisen on the 12th of August 2025, this time from a senior lecturer, Lalo S.B. Conteh. He has accused the management of being unethical and unprofessional and is calling for reforms to the USET’s operations.
“As a seasoned civil servant and practising Muslim, I am morally obligated to expose the unethical and unprofessional treatment endured by staff,” Conteh told the Gambia Journal. He believes that the situation of the USET has deteriorated to a point that demands immediate and decisive intervention.
While the challenges faced by the staff of USET might be numerous and complex, Mr. Conteh asserted that they can be broadly categorised into three areas: staff welfare, institutional expectations, and leadership transitions from 2016 to the present. On the welfare of the staff of USET, he described it as “a System in Decline.”
“With over 30 years of experience in public service beginning in 1989 as an unqualified teacher and now holding a Master’s degree in Architecture. I have never witnessed such disregard for staff welfare as I have during my 13 years at GTTI/USET. Since the passing of the late Hon. Mr. Loom in 2015 (may he rest in peace), conditions have worsened dramatically,” he said.
Mr. Conteh alleged that for over a year, salaries have been paid late, often between the 3rd and 5th of the following month. He further claimed that the July salary of the staff was paid on August 7th, with no explanation or fulfilment of promised allowances.
He also revealed that the staff were assured of a new pay scale and retroactive allowances, yet nothing materialised eroding trust and morale.
The senior Lecturer said retirement and social security benefits are nearly impossible to access, especially for low-profile staff. Since his appointment in 2012, Mr. Conteh claimed that only one staff appraisal has occurred, while many departments lack the structure to even conduct evaluations.
“Training and development opportunities for professional growth are rare and often frustrating, especially when they involve international travel,” he alleged.
The government of the Gambia anticipated that the transformation of USET would enable bridging the considerable skills void in the country’s workforce by creating more opportunities for technical education.
Mr. Conteh however criticised the current learning methods of USET.
“GTTI/USET is meant to equip Gambian youth with practical skills for national development. Yet due to poor leadership and mismanagement, students graduate undertrained and ill-prepared,” he alleged.
Despite having the tools to produce metal covers for infrastructure, Mr. Conteh said USET seeks external funding instead of utilising its resources.
Vocational Training Centre (VTC) houses equipment capable of manufacturing essential items like nails, spoons, and water bottles, however, Mr. Conteh said these USET machines are deteriorating into scrap due to neglect and a lack of vision.
“Brikama USET site: Without change in approach, the newly inaugurated facility risks falling into the same pattern of waste and inefficiency,” Mr. Conteh said.
Mr. Conteh further calls on the authorities to make reforms on the TVET schools.
“GTTI/USET is overstretched, with centers in Kaniilai, Jullangel, Ndemban, Mansakonko, WaSSU, and Tujereng all straining limited resources,” he said.
Mr. Conteh said the subvention from the government should be increased instead of being reduced from D24 million to D7 million.
“It is time for stakeholders and authorities to act. A final, tangible solution is urgently needed- We are Gambians too and we deserve better,” he said.
However, the management was contacted by this reporter for their side of the story, but no response.
