Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology
By Buba Gagigo
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research , Science and Technology [MoHERST] has suspended the University of the Gambia Senior Management from travelling.
“The Ministry of Higher Education, Research , Science and Technology wishes to bring to your attention that all travels in respect to the senior management of the University of the Gambia are hereby suspended, until further notice,” MoHERST wrote to the University management.
Subsequently, the University of The Gambia Faculty and Staff Association [UTGFSA] replied to the said letter from the ministry. In its reply, the President of UTGFSA urged the ministry to rescind the decision, stating that the suspension notice is ‘without stating any justification’.
The UTGFSA argued that the decision would no doubt ‘adversely’ affect its operations, as the Vice Chancellor and a couple of the Senior Management with the Ministry of Agriculture were supposed to travel to Turkey next week.
“The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) suspends all travels in respect of the Senior Management of The University of The Gambia until further notice without stating any justification.
“I am therefore urging the Ministry to reconsider this decision which undoubtedly will adversely affect the operations of the University, as the Vice Chancellor and a couple of The Senior Management [are] supposed to travel to Turkey together with the Ministry of Agriculture from the 19th of August. The University Management is expected to engage into relevant discussions on the establishment of a NUTRITION AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY CENTER at The University of The Gambia in collaboration with The Ministry of Agriculture and three world leading research centers in nutrition, food science and technology, and processing. This [sis] include: Oxford Brookes University, UK Center for Nutrition and Health, Reading University, UK Food Processing Center, Gaziantep University, Turkey Food Engineering Center, and COMSTECH in Pakistan. This is meant to drive innovation in food systems and products in The Gambia.
“Denying the University management of this engagement is a direct denial of the University’s international collaboration and its resource mobilization opportunities. I would suggest those identified be the right candidates who will make difference upon their return. Your cooperation and consideration is highly appreciated,” the UTGFSA President stated in a letter to MoHERST on 11th August.
This medium has obtained a copy of both letters.