Speaking on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez admitted that students are owed stipends for May, June and July, after the last payments covered only March and April. Students had appealed to the minister, describing their plight as a humanitarian crisis rather than a political issue.
“We understand the challenges that some of our students are facing out there, it is true. I confirm that we owe them some arrears,” Prof. Gomez said.
The minister explained that his ministry does not hold funds directly, with payments only possible once money is released by the Ministry of Finance and processed through the Accountant General.
“There is no safe at MOHERST. We don’t deal with money, we only deal with papers,” he remarked.
According to Prof. Gomez, government requires at least D50 million to settle outstanding obligations for students abroad as well as local institutions including the University of The Gambia, the Civil Service University and the University of Education.
“On paper we have the funds, but in reality we cannot have access to them,” he said, revealing that a tripartite meeting involving MOHERST, the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the President will be convened to unlock the payments.
Drawing on his own experience as a former international student, Prof. Gomez acknowledged the psychological toll of delayed stipends.
“When you are abroad, you need to buy books, pay accommodation and eat. Without regular payment of stipends, psychologically you are affected,” he said.
The minister stressed that stipends should eventually be treated like salaries to ensure timely disbursement, though payments would always depend on the Ministry of Finance’s releases. He added that a new formula has been introduced to guarantee fairness, ensuring all eligible students receive the same number of months at once, whether in Sudan, Japan, China, Morocco or elsewhere.
Prof. Gomez sought to reassure students: “I want to assure the students that all the commitments of the Government of The Gambia will be respected. The Republic will pay for your tuition fees and give you your stipend. It is an investment for you to come and build a better nation.”
