By Buba Gagigo
The Ministry of Higher Education in the Gambia has signed an agreement with the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) to transport students to Faraba, where the University of the Gambia is moving its campus. This agreement is part of the ministry’s efforts to ensure a smooth transition for students and staff during the move.
“27th September, 2023 – The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology has signed a contract agreement with The Gambia Transport Service Company Limited (GTSC). The rationale of the agreement is to ease the transportation of students to and from the University of The Gambia’s Faraba Banta Campus,” the ministry announced on their Facebook page.
The ministry has allocated 15 buses to transport students and lecturers to and from Faraba Banta, according to their timetable slots. The buses will be available at designated times.
“Under this service, it will cost students forty percent (40%) of the transportation fee, which is equivalent to twenty dalasis (D20) of transport fare to and from. The government of The Gambia will cover sixty percent (60%) of the transport costs. The General Manager of GTSC, Mr. Seedy Kanyi, informed the Ministry that the buses are exclusive to students and will be fully air-conditioned,” the ministry announced.
Moreover, the Ministry has announced its intention to host an on-site press conference at the UTG Faraba Banta campus on Friday, September 29, 2023. This event will be open to all media outlets, providing them with the opportunity to capture footage showcasing the state of preparedness.
“The movement to Faraba is in alignment with the Government of The Gambia’s agenda of providing quality education in a conducive learning environment that promotes research and innovative technological advancement for sustained socio-economic development,” they concluded.