Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Students of the University of The Gambia (UTG) on Monday, staged a demonstration at the university campus of Kanifing to protest the controversial dismissal of two lecturers, Dr. Alieu Gibba and Associate Professor Matarr Njie.

The demonstrations coincided with a sit-down strike launched by the UTG Staff and Faculty Association, which also called for the reinstatement of the dismissed lecturers and resolution of long-standing grievances affecting faculty and staff.

The protests unfolded despite stern warnings from the Gambia Police Force against unauthorized gatherings. Students turned out in large numbers, carrying banners emblazoned with messages such as “Justice for our lecturers,” “Enough is enough,” and “Reinstatement of the two lecturers.” The protesters also demanded that the Vice-Chancellor address their calls for institutional reforms to improve the university’s governance and operations.

Tensions escalated as personnel from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) moved to disperse the demonstration using tear gas. The situation turned chaotic, leading to three students collapsing during the commotion. The injured students were promptly evacuated to Kanifing Hospital for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of UTG was escorted out of the university’s Kanifing campus under heavy security by PIU officers, further highlighting the strained relations between the administration and its stakeholders.

The UTG Staff and Faculty Association, which initiated its strike on the same day, remains resolute in its demands, emphasizing that the dismissal of Dr. Gibba and Associate Professor Njie is symptomatic of deeper issues within the university’s management.

This series of events underscores growing discontent among UTG’s academic community and students, with many calling for urgent intervention to address the institution’s challenges and restore trust between its stakeholders.