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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Aug 2011 : 12:07:41
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1. THE POINT NEWS Dr Gumbo Touray Charged with giving false information to a Public Officer on a Petition to Office of The President
2. FREEDOM ON-LINE NEWS WITH THE GENESIS OF THE CURRENT UTG PROBLEM AS Gambia: UNVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA DEAN’S INFIGHTING RAGES ON!
3. FREEDOM ON-LINE NEWS WITH Breaking News: Gambia: THE PROTEST LETTER THAT COST GUMBO TOURAY HIS JOB RELEASED!
4. RELATED PDOIS WITH PETITIONS TO THE PRESIDENT
5. FOROYAA Editorial : UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA IN THE NEWS
"We at Foroyaa are becoming increasingly worried about the image of the University of the Gambia as Lecturers find themselves in court for matters having bearing with the University.
In countries where there is a tradition of operating Universities a Vice Chancellor holds the same status as a Vice President of a Country, a Chief Justice or a Speaker of Parliament. In short, a person who is to preside over the development of the intellect, Character and values of students who will preside over the future development of a country should have integrity, security of tenure and clout.
Universities are as complex as the very societies they are established to serve. They enroll students from all backgrounds and employ staff from diverse orientations. This is why each University must have its own governance structures. A Vice Chancellor is usually freed to manage the day to day affairs of a University while key decisions that shape the administrative life of the institution are left to the governing bodies. Laws are established and a clear demarcation of responsibilities is instituted to ensure that the University is shielded from external interference.
The University of the Gambia has a Council and a Senate. The Council is responsible for governance and administration and the Senate for academic policy.
The Council is responsible for the appointment of academic staff with the recommendation of the senate. It is also responsible for the appointment of administrative staff.
It is therefore strange that matters pertaining to the University would elude the Council and go up to the level of the executive and courts. This reflects a crisis of governance in the University. In a properly Governed University a Vice Chancellor will not have a problem with an academic or administrative staff that could not be handled by a University council.
However once a university fails to put its institution into operation and then resort to external influences to address internal problems academic freedom and administrative Independence would be the casualty.
Just imagine what it means for a professor, lecturer or Vice Chancellor to be arrested and subjected to interrogation by security personnel.
This makes the person vulnerable. A staff of a University is not supposed to be vulnerable. The institutions of the University should be allowed to function if we want a real University.
A special task force should be constituted by the governing council to look into the governance structure of the university with a view to making recommendations that would activate the senate, the council itself and all the other institutions so as to establish a genuine university that could nurture academic freedom and quality university education. The Attorney General should review all court cases with a view to withdrawing them and allowing the university council to fulfil its mandate and thus save the integrity of the university." FOROYAA
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Edited by - kobo on 21 Aug 2011 12:36:02 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2011 : 03:05:56
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| University of Gambia is an extension of Jammeh Foundation |
Karamba |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 05 Sep 2011 : 19:01:48
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THE DAILY NEWS University Lecturer’s Wrongful Dismissal Claim Shelved
"Sunday, September 04, 2011
The industrial tribunal in Kanifing has recently granted a ‘stay of proceedings’ in the wrongful dismissal claim instituted against the University of The Gambia (UTG) by a former lecturer, Dr Boro Suso. The tribunal had earlier held that it lacks jurisdiction to preside over the matter, but this was overturned by the High Court in Banjul when the plaintiff’s lawyer, Mr Ousainou Darboe appealed against the tribunal’s decision.
However, when the case resumed recently, the lawyer for the University said, he has appealed against the decision of the High Court at the Court of Appeal in Banjul. He urged the court to shelve the matter pending the outcome of that appeal.
Although Boro Suso’s lawyer had argued that the motion filed by the defense counsel was frivolous and a waste of time, the chairman of the industrial tribunal however said, it would be a futile exercise to continue with proceedings when jurisdiction of the court is being questioned.
“It is my considered view that jurisdictional issues should be resolved before any proceedings are continued,” he said in his ruling.
Author: Sulayman Jaye" |
Edited by - kobo on 05 Sep 2011 19:08:14 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 08 Sep 2011 : 17:29:01
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1. DAILY OBSERVER NEWS Gumbo Touray’s false information trial adjourned
"Thursday, September 08, 2011
Principal Magistrate Sheriff Tabally at the Banjul Magistrates Court on Wednesday adjourned the criminal case involving the state against Gumbo Touray, the former director of International Affairs at the University of The Gambia.
When the case came up, the defence counsel for the accused person, Lawyer Pap Cheyassin Ousman Secka applied for an adjournment on the grounds that he wanted to make an application on the issue of jurisdiction.
He urged the court to grant his request as he was going to make a proper application on the issue of jurisdiction on the next date.
Police prosecutor, Superintendent Joof told the court that the application of the defence, if granted would delay the proceedings of the case. At that juncture, the case was adjourned to the 20th of September 2011.
Author: Fatou Sowe"
2. ALSO THE POINT NEWS Twist in Dr Gumbo Touray’s case
3. FOROYAA National News : Lawyer Pap Secka to Apply for Constitutional Interpretation In the trial of Gumbo Touray |
Edited by - kobo on 10 Sep 2011 06:46:15 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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Kitabul Arerr
Gambia
645 Posts |
Posted - 22 Sep 2011 : 22:40:27
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The canning of Gambian intelectuals accelerates with no end in sight. Who's next...l l? |
The New Gambia - Stronger Together! |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2012 : 21:28:21
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LATEST FOROYAA NATIONAL NEWS UPDATE;
FREEDOM NEWS;
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Edited by - kobo on 25 Jan 2012 21:35:34 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2012 : 14:44:33
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THE POINT NEWS;
DAILY OBSERVER NEWS;
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Edited by - kobo on 02 Feb 2012 14:59:04 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2012 : 13:39:03
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DAILY OBSEREVER NEWS;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2012 : 02:08:26
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FOROYAA NATIONAL NEWS;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2012 : 22:10:20
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FOROYAA NATIONAL NEWS;
"The investigative report of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the ongoing alleged false information trial involving former Director of International Affairs at the University of The Gambia, Gumbo A Touray was tendered and admitted in evidence. Prior to the conclusion of cross examination by defence counsel, Conteh of the interim dean of the faculty of law, University of The Gambia, Dr. Abubacarr Abdoulie Senghore, the court granted the request of the defence for the investigative report of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to be read to him (the witness). It was read to him in court by the court clerk which prompted murmuring in court. The report is produced below reproduced verbatim.
Findings -
• It is evident that since the appointment of Prof. Muhammadou M. O. Kah as Vice Chancellor, University of the Gambia, all committees (Appointment & Promotion Committee, Research & Strategy Committee, Exam &. Evaluation Committee, Disciplinary Committee etc) that were established by his predecessors -for the smooth, transparent and efficient running of the affairs of the University were abolished.
• It’s also evident that the attrition rates at the University among (academic and administrative staff) is unprecedented during the stewardship of Professor Kah.
It is very apparent that both staff and students at the University of the Gambia, are highly disgusted and disgruntled with the arbitrary administrative approach of the VC, since the students sometime during the last academic year even planned to stage a demonstration but reconsidered the decision with the influence of the EX-Student Union President (Mr. Ousman Bojang).
It’s also evident that the Vice Chancellor has tactically banned the academic staff association of the University by asking them not to proceed with the election of new executive members after the elapse of the term of office of the old one and also undermined regular meetings of the Senate geared towards his interest of gaining monopoly over the affairs of the University.
• It is also apparent that Professor Kah is always taking decisions unilaterally without due consultation with the Governing Council most of which are even ultra-vires.
It is revealed that the Gambia College has no Principal and a Registrar, as Prof. Kah accredited himself as the “overseer” and receiving the necessary allowance of D1,300.00 to that end, even though he visits the College once in a while.
Under the Vice Chancellorship of Prof. Kah, the trend that the University is taking apparently suggests that it is moving from the traditional British system to the American system which is alien to the Gambian Education System and basically, his style of administration has relegated the progress of the university, and the atmosphere at the UTG now is that everyone is aggrieved.
It has been revealed that the National Assembly Select Committee on Education paid a visit to the University of the Gambia following an elaborate report,presented to the Assembly by Prof. Kah, however to their dismay, what was presented to the Assembly and what prevails on the ground were far from matching.
It has been confirmed by the Gambia Public Procurement authority (GPPA) report on the University of the Gambia, that the institution is not working in compliance with the GPPA rules of procurement, thus seriously flouting the said rules and doing things the way the Vice Chancellor and his administration likes.
There is also a lot of cost incurred by the University in the form of per diems claims and air tickets towards the numerous and frequent travels of the VC as his single travel will cost the UTG up to the tune of D300,000 to D400,000. In fact the Ag. Chief Account stated that one of the trips cost D600 000.00.
The VC is always travelling on first class and the air tickets for which are mostly bought from Abbey’ Travel despite the high cost implication knowing that the UTG is at its nursing stage.
Prof Kah’s salary is about 3.5 million dalasi. He also gets USD10,000.00 as annual house rent (even though he lives in his own house), about D42,000.00 every three months for his children’s school fees, utilities, his maid and security salaries which is outrageous for a developing university to sustain. Therefore as a Gambian VC, he lacks sacrifice and patriotism. It is not clear where the huge allowance and salaries are approved from or who authorised them.
• Prof. Kah’s letter of appointment indicated that his terms and condition of employment shall be the same as his predecessor (prof. stigen), who was receiving USD 53,000.00 per annum at USD 4,450.00 per month.
A Ghanaian national by the name Kwadwo (Kojo) Ofosuhene was appointed to the position of Director of Finance at the University of the Gambia through mere telephone interview by certain members of the University Governing Council which includes Bai Matar Drammeh, Mr Baboucarr Bouy (MoESE), Dr Omar Jah (DVC Admin & Finance) and Mr Muhammed Jammeh (Faculty member) even though there were many Gambians who are more qualified for the position than the Ghanaian as he possesses only a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA). Whereas a Gambian with ACCA or some higher levels would have been more suitable.
It was revealed that most of the people who interviewed the Mr Kojo were only mandated to ascertain the academic credentials of the candidate not to discuss salary, thus have no idea as to how much he is receiving as salary and other benefits.
• None of the Governing Council members could tell whether they saw Mr. Kojo’s position advertised locally or internationally. So there is no evidence that the post was advertised or evidence that qualified Gambian professionals were interviewed for the post.
It is revealed that he is the second highest paid staff on the University payroll and in addition to the provision of accommodation for him at the AU Villa, an official vehicle (UTG 7) was assigned to him among other benefits at the expense of the University.
• Most of the appointments of various individuals into the senior cadre of the University (academic and Admin), were single-handedly done by Professor Kah, without going by the prescribed standards. Undoubtedly most of the beneficiaries of such appointment are either his friends or relatives.
• It is confirmed that Professor Kah has constructed a College located at Bijilo which is almost ready for use. This building is decorated with the same colour paint used on the fence of the Kanifing Campus. This suggests that the VC is using facilities or resources of the University for his Private Project.
• The University of the Gambia was granted a loan of D8 million by Trust Bank Gambia Limited, to facilitate the payment for the purchase of a house at the AU Villas in Brufut. This loan attracts an interest of 18%.
• During the visit of the NAMs, Alh. Gumbo Touray frankly expressed his disapproval of the way the University is governed which certainly did not go down well with the VC and consequently decided to suspend him, as in his words “based on powers conferred on him”. However the VC is not able to produce any investigation report on the issue of Mr. Touray, even though he had claimed to have instituted an investigation on the matter. What is confirmed is that, the VC went ahead to terminate the services of Mr. Touray unilaterally (i.e. without consultation).
• It has been confirmed that Gumbo Touray was officially granted leave by the Directorate of Human Resources of the University of the Gambia in accordance with the set rules and procedures contrary to the VC’ claims that Mr Touray took an unauthorised leave.
It seems obvious that the administrative approach of Prof. Kah particularly in the area of academics is compromising quality for quantity of subjects taught at the University. This has brought about more demotivation among the staff coupled with discontinuance, of almost all their little benefits that they would enjoy. Their welfare makes them worried and is crying foul.
• The University of the Gambia was in existence for over 13 years before the ushering in of Prof -Kah and has graduated over two thousand candidates in different field of studies since 2000, some of whom did their MSc in Oxford, Dalhousie, and St. Mary’s etc. Some of the best Universities in the world. Some of the graduates can be found contributing in the public and private sector of our economy. This was made possible due to the endless sacrifices made by genuine Gambians and Foreigners who served the University in good faith before the coming of Prof. Kah. Therefore, it is grossly misleading to say that nothing was done prior to Prof. Kah’s era.
• The entire landscape in Kanifing that houses the Management Development Institute, the Faculty of Law and BPMRU, was rehabilitated and is now named the Kanifing campus of the University of the Gambia, courtesy of U NDP project. See enclosure XIV; that all the verbal appointments into acting positions by Prof. Kah were effected since January or February, 2010 to date but without any benefits. Even not a single butut is added to their salaries and allowances as a result of these appointments.
• The UTG Research and Strategy Committee lost its prized position of membership in the ERNWACA group’s research initiatives (receiving of notices and calls for new research proposals and bids) and also some of the lecturers who had demonstrated a commendable tract record of publishable (CODSRIA, Action Aid, etc) academic research expertise in the past, had their planned research teaching courses arbitrarily cancelled by the Vice-Chancellor, without even the courtesy of consultations or any explanation.
• The University of the Gambia is without a laboratory for all the science courses offered by the University, as the present laboratories in use are meant to train teachers and are not the same as University labs. At the moment, the University offers no practical courses in all the sciences and considering the government emphasis on the need to advance the sciences, this is unacceptable.
The investigation has revealed that Prof. Kah may be a good Lecturer but not a good administrator who can move the University to the envisaged level." |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2012 : 23:50:39
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FREEDOM NEWS;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2012 : 07:41:48
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FREEDOM NEWS;
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