Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The University of The Gambia (UTG) has dismissed two senior lecturers, Dr. Alieu Gibba and Professor Matarr Njie, following allegations of professional misconduct. The move has sparked concerns about the impact on students, with the lecturers responsible for over 400 students, as exams approach in two months.

The two academics, known for their outspoken criticism of UTG’s administration, had publicly accused the university leadership of nepotism, favoritism, and failing to motivate staff. The allegations, made through media outlets, provoked a strong response from Vice Chancellor Herbert Robinson, who dismissed the claims as baseless.

The university management accused the lecturers of tarnishing the institution’s image and breaching their terms of service. According to a dismissal letter seen by The Gambia Journal, the Governing Council upheld the Disciplinary Committee’s findings, which deemed the lecturers’ allegations to be unsubstantiated.

“Your action of disseminating false or unverified information could, and actually did, tarnish the reputation of the University and is a serious misconduct that breaches our policies on professional conduct and integrity,” the letter stated.

The lecturers, however, denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that they acted in “absolute good faith” and exercised their constitutional rights to freedom of opinion, thought, and conscience. They walked out of a disciplinary hearing, citing a conflict of interest.

In their dismissal, UTG emphasized the broader implications of the allegations on the university’s reputation nationally and internationally, noting that integrity in its processes is vital for maintaining trust with stakeholders.

The decision has left students uncertain about their academic future, with many voicing concerns over how their courses will be managed in the absence of the two lecturers.

Neither Dr. Gibba nor Professor Njie has commented further on their dismissal, but their removal has ignited debates on academic freedom and administrative transparency within the university.