Gambia College Principal Appears in Court

Mr. Alieu Badara Senghore, Principal of The Gambia College, yesterday testified in the ongoing trial involving two former lecturers at The Gambia College, Mr. Lamin BT Sanyang and Abdoulie Baldeh.

In his testimony Mr. Senghore told the court that he is a civil servant, working as the principal of The Gambia College.

He revealed that he was appointed principal in October 2004, noting that as principal his responsibilities are overseeing all activities, programmes and the staff of the college.

He affirmed that he recognised the accused persons before the court, who he said were once lecturers at The Gambia College. 

"They taught mainly Primary Teachers Certificate (PTC) and High Teachers Certificate (HTC) students," he added.  He said that it's the role of the lecturers to provide teaching practice supervision for the students in the field and mark assignments and examination papers and submit the grades to the his office.

He asserted that during one of his occasional visits to the classrooms, he came across some students standing outside the classroom and making noise.

He said he went to them to ask which subject should they be having at that point in time and he was told English. He said as a result, he went to English Department and informed them about it. He said some time later, he received a letter from the head of School of Education, Ms Isatou Ndow, regarding late submission of students' grades by Mr Sanyang. He told the court that that was discussed at the Management level and Mr. Sanyang was given a warning letter.

He further adduced that some time later he received another letter from the head of School of Education together with a petition letter from the students, complaining that Mr. Sanyang has refused to teach HTC 2 English.

 At that Juncture the case was adjourned to 15th September 2008 for continuation of Mr Senghore's testimony.