UTGSU: A CALL FOR SOLIDARITY Esteemed Students, On 23rd October 2026, the Union, through its Information and Communication Ministry, called for a protest over the persistent challenges facing students at the University of The Gambia (UTG), Faraba Campus: a transportation crisis, a shortage of sufficient, quality food, drinkable water and the absence of internet connectivity. These problems have persisted since our relocation to Faraba, resurfacing in new forms time and again. They have now spiralled out of control and placed the entire student body in a chokehold. Students are missing classes, tests and other critical academic commitments. The transportation crisis is the direct result of an insufficient supply of buses by the authorities tasked with this responsibility: the Gambia Transport Service Company (CTSC), the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST) and the UTG Management. Equally disturbing, almost two months into the semester, the food crisis on campus remains unresolved. If anything, it has worsened. Students are sometimes forced to go from morning to evening on empty stomachs. The Union understands, without a shred of doubt, that these challenges are entirely avoidable. They persist because of sheer indifference to the needs of students! In keeping with Section 7(4) of UTGSU Constitution 2021 (as amended), the Union has consistently engaged the authorities to take practical steps to resolve these matters. Almost all of these engagements were treated without regard or as matters that merit no attention at all. Our duty in this moment is clear. The Preamble to our Constitution requires the Union to take the necessary measures to address any situation that threatens the wellbeing of students. Section 7 further obliges the leadership of the Union to safeguard the welfare of the students. We derive our mandate from the students, and we pledged to discharge our duties without fear or favor. We cannot sit still in the face of such rot and do nothing. Where engagement fails to deliver the necessary results demanded by the circumstances, other necessary and lawful means must be pursued. That is what this protest is about We will gather peacefully, register our frustration and dissatisfaction ano submit a petition outlining the position of the Union on all these matters. As announced in the communication from the Union's Information and Communication Ministry, the protest is scheduled as follows: Date: Monday, 26th october 202t Time: 9:00 AM Venue: Peace Building, Kanifing Campus This statement is a call for solidarity addressed to every student of UTG. Our motto is "dedication, service and solidarity", and solidarity is what we ask of you today. This is a struggle for our dignity, and it is a collective one. It can only be won together. We may come from different schools, but the challenges we face are the same. Section 7(5) calls on students to speak with one voice on major issues of concern. That moment has come. Thus, the 24th Executive Council calls on every student of UTG to rally behind this historic call, take a collective stand against disrespect, and bring an end to these avoidable challenges. Silence has only deepened them. Unity of purpose will end them! Forward then! Muhammed Bah Secretary General 24th Executive Council University of The Gambia Students' Union Cc: President, 24th Executive Council University of The Gambia Students' Union UTGSU Files, 24th Executive Council.