The Executive Committee of the University of The Gambia Faculty and Staff Association (UTGFSA) recently approved the establishment and appointment of a new UTGFSA Advisory Committee. This new body officially replaces the previous UTGFSA Taskforce Committee and will serve as a strategic advisory body to the UTGFSA Executive Committee, providing key guidance and support. The Advisory Committee is intended to provide ongoing institutional advice and support to the Association, ensuring a consistent and informed approach to its operations. Its establishment marks a significant transition from a crisis-response mechanism, which was the nature of its predecessor, to a more permanent structure designed to foster long-term stability and growth. This new committee aims to strengthen the Association’s institutional capacity and decision-making processes, ensuring that the UTGFSA remains strong and effective in its mission.
New Committee Leadership and Makeup
Professor Banna Sawaneh will chair the new Advisory Committee. Professor Sawaneh, who previously served as Chairperson of the former Taskforce Committee, brings valuable experience to this new role. He is also the current Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA), a position that further shows his deep understanding of university operations and governance. The Advisory Committee itself is composed of a distinguished group, including Deans, Heads of Schools, and other experienced and influential members from the University of The Gambia (UTG) community. This diverse composition ensures a wide range of perspectives and expertise. Mr. Yorro Njie stated that the committee's composition was carefully guided by the members' extensive experience, profound institutional knowledge, professional standing, and their significant contributions to the University over the years, ensuring a highly qualified and dedicated body.
Mr. Njie acknowledged the important roles played by Professor Momodou Mustapha Fanneh and Madam Nahla Tambedu, noting their critical contributions to the university community. Professor Fanneh currently serves as the Chairperson of the UTG Governing Council, a key leadership position within the institution. Madam Tambedu is the current Vice Chairperson of the UTG Governing Council, further strengthening the committee's ties to the university's governance structures. Mr. Njie emphasized the value of the new members, stating, "The experience and institutional knowledge of these individuals will be valuable to the Association as we continue to navigate complex issues currently affecting our members and the University." He added, "Our Executive is built on the principle of dialogue and negotiation, but not to the disadvantage of our members. Where an issue or meeting is against the general interest of UTG staff, the welfare and interests of our members will come first." This statement reaffirms the Association's commitment to prioritizing its members' well-being.
Context and Strategic Role
The UTGFSA Taskforce Committee, which the new advisory body replaces, was an ad hoc group that played a key role during a challenging period for the University. It was specifically established during a three-week sit-down strike, an industrial action that showed significant institutional tensions. That industrial action followed the dismissal of two staff members from the University of The Gambia, prompting the need for immediate and focused intervention. The Taskforce Committee's establishment occurred at a critical period, and its members were tasked with a clear responsibility to help restore peace, stability, and tranquility at the University, a goal they worked diligently to achieve. Now, with the transition to a more permanent structure, the new Advisory Committee is tasked with providing guidance on matters relating to institutional governance, staff welfare, and industrial relations. It will also advise on policy, administration, and other issues with significant implications for the Association and its members, ensuring full and forward-looking counsel.
Association's Vision and Goals
The UTGFSA Executive Committee views the establishment of the Advisory Committee as a significant stride toward fostering inclusive consultation and ensuring institutional continuity. The Association states that this new body will promote experience-based decision-making and constructive engagement within the University of The Gambia. The UTGFSA Executive Committee considers the establishment of the Advisory Committee an important step towards promoting inclusive consultation, institutional continuity, experience-based decision-making and constructive engagement, all of which are vital for the long-term health and effectiveness of the Association and the University community it serves.