Thursday 31 August 2017

Open Letter to the Vice Chancellor, University of The Gambia (Part.2)

Dear Prof. Dr Faqir Muhammad Anjum,

I hope this letter finds you well. This letter is sent in connection with the recent call for admission that was recently advertised in the newspaper.

“The University of the Gambia is pleased to invite applications for admission into the following Post Graduate Degree Programs tenable at the University of The Gambia, commencing 2017/2018 Academic year · MSc–Economics, MSc-Business Administration, MSc-Chemistry, MSc-Physics, MSc-Biology, PhD- Biology, MSc- Agriculture, MSc- International Relations and Diplomacy, MA-English”.

It is in this regard that I write to you once again informing you about the challenges faced by students and lecturers at the University of The Gambia.


The Gambia has a population of over 1.8 million people and the dream of owning a national university was only actualised via the passion of former President Yaya Jammeh. He believed that it was imperative for the people of Gambian to have quality higher education. It was this passion combined with his resilience that brought the university into being in 1999 through a legislation of the National Assembly.


Education is one of the most important instruments of change in any society. And in order for any fundamental change to occur in terms of intellect and social outlook in a society, it is has to be proceeded by an educational revolution. The term education comes from the Latin word e-ducere meaning “to lead out.” Education is referred as the process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning, and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.



In the University of The Gambia, one of the fundamental challenges faced by the school of nursing is the shortage of faculty members due to the brain drain of highly qualified and educated nurses migrating from their home country to countries with higher salaries and better working conditions. Secondly, the reason why we have a reduction in the number of people enrolling in this program is because the nature of the work is too demanding with far less pay. Furthermore, there are only a few lecturers whom have been trained in with a postgraduate certificate/ degree in nursing education.

Another challenge encountered is the lack of clinical tutors. Nursing students are posted to health facilities to be supervised and assisted by senior nursing officers in the clinical area who tend to be too busy to attend to the learning needs of these students thus, leaving a big gap to be filled.
The teaching/learning space is very crucial in nursing education. Challenges related to infra-structure include classroom space, poor internet connectivity, interrupted electricity, and lack access to peer-reviewed journal articles.

The current infrastructure at both programs needs expansion in order to accommodate the increasing number of students particularly when other programs such as the medicine and public health classes are held simultaneously. The classes can accommodate about 40 students but in the recent past the intake number has increased. There are few LCD projectors and no interactive boards.


The University doesn’t have up to date books, most of the books in the main library were outdated before I was born. During my time as a student at the University from 2010-2013 there was never a day when the internet allowed me to download reading materials.  

Professor as an Alumni of the University of The Gambia I will not waste any iota of time to see my Alma Mata sinking like the great Titanic in broad day light.

I will submit to you that many of the student stand to have their lectures as a result of the inadequate chairs. The lecture rooms are not conducive in which both the lecturers and the students find it difficult to cope with the situation.

 There is need for basic furniture for lectures to take place, the environment needs to be conducive to learning and as it stands the boards are so old. Their needs to be development with regard to learning, the times have changed and in the 21st century there is a necessity for the use of technology in the classroom. The University still lacks basic projectile or video presentations of important lectures. In a nutshell, there is zero use of latest technological innovations to help students at the university in their learning.

Additionally, the information technology needs to be updated within the university, there needs to be a strategic plan to come up with a software that will enable students to access their transcript in various departments of the university. It is totally unethical and inhumane for the students to travel all the way from Brikama to Kanifing only to collect their transcripts.

Please be informed that to attain quality and standards one need to follow the ladder as such will enable you to be the best among the best. The University needs total transformation of the education system to suit the current national needs and also meet global standards.

However, if we want to have better educational system where students learn to develop themselves and strive hard to learn the values of life, we must focus our energy and resources on the university where it all began. We must have the right people with right qualifications at the university and people who are honest, decent, and determined to ensure that our brothers and sisters are successful in their education.

To be continued...........

Sincerely,

Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Blogger/Activist

Cc: The President of the Republic of The Gambia
      Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology
      UTG Governing council and Senate
      The President UTGSU.
    




Wednesday 23 August 2017

Open Letter to Lawyer Ousainou Darboe


Reference is drawn from the publication on the SMBC News Written by Sam Phatey on August 20, 2017. It is in that regards I write to register my total dissatisfaction as per the statement you made against the Jolas with the intention of portraying the noble Jola tribe at a bad viewpoint of light.

“Amongst those who are among the prominent Jolas in the country, Bojang is the only person with a clean record. The rest, he said, have committed human rights abuses, crimes against the state and rained havoc on the economy”. Lawyer Darboe.(https://gambia.smbcgo.com/2017/08/20/ousainou-darboe-recommended-ex-speaker-bojangs-appointment/).

Your aforesaid statement above is mathematically calculated and wrongly executed which when not handled correctly might lead to tribal conflict.  As a political leader you need to possess good communication skills that will reunite people despite of their political ideology.

Labeling the Jolas as the only tribe that rained havoc in The Gambia is baseless on tantamount to tribal conflict. The question maybe that one asked ought to be did Jammeh only employed the Jolas during his 22years rule?

Who were the Ministers of Works, Health, Basic and Secondary, Higher Education Research Science and Technology, Tourism, Trade and the Secretary General and Head of Civil Service? Who were the Inspector General of Police, Director of GID and GFRS? Who were the Managing Directors of GRA and SSSHFC? Etc.

Just to name a few these figure shows a clear testimony that the Jolas were the list privileged people to occupy the key positions in the Jammeh’s lead administration.  The last time I checked there was no Jolas Minister in the Barrrow lead administration. This leadership style is undemocratic, unconstitutional because in true democratic setting citizens should be treated equally despite of their tribe, religion, gender, age, demographic and political ideology.

It is arguable that the negative effects of tribalism permeate all African countries. Millions have been killed, maimed or displaced in civil wars in sub-Sahara Africa over the past 50 years, mostly because of tribal agitation. Most of us are living witnesses to the carnage that occurred in Rwanda and is still going on in Somalia. These countries have fallen into the abyss mainly because of tribalism. (The Point, 2010).

Tribalism in Africa has been a major stumbling block to democracy as well as socio-economic development. It affects every sphere of development, from social economic, political to educational spheres. In political spheres, tribalism persists since it provides an avenue via which state goodies and favors trickle down from those in power to their tribesmen. Therefore, loyalty to tribe is given ever greater relevance than loyalty to the country.

Barrow is the presidents of the Republic of The Gambia in which none of the Jolas deny therefore his administration has to engage the Jolas and all other tribes for them to fell that yes they are recognized by the barrow lead administration. But if they are marginalized they will fell that they are not part and parcel of the new Gambia. The Gambia belongs to The Gambian’s both those home and abroad. In rebuilding a new Gambia we dream all regions need to be represented well and treated equally despite of political ideology. In a place where trust does not exist, love, respect and solidarity are also absent. The lack of trust destroys family, country, as well as social, cultural, and economic life.

Politics is over let’s heal the wounds and work together for a better Gambia. The real trick to good governance is to place the needs of the masses above everything else; to lead not just with words but with action. Actions define priorities. It’s the only way politicians can successfully bring us the long sought dividend of democracy.

“We have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had God willed, He would have made you a single community, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing well. Every one of you will return to God and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed.” (Surat al-Ma’ida, 48)


Note: I belong to both the Noble Mandinka and the Jola tribe, tribalism have no room in the smiling coast.   “People who sow seeds of discord by preaching tribalism, racism and religious misunderstanding should find another place to go.” Mwai Kinaki.

Finally I’m expressing my right of freedom of speech and expression” and my “right of academic freedom”, which are expressly guaranteed by Section 25 (1) (A) and Section 25(1) (B) respectively, of The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution.

Sincerely,

Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Blogger/ Activist




Monday 21 August 2017

Open Letter to the Inspector General of Police


Respected Sir,

I am writing this letter to your high office as per the news concerning road accidents which are increasing day by day in our deaths every day. The citizens are not safe on the roads of Banjul to Brikama and across the country. Road accidents have been on the increase in the country in spite of the precaution of the traffic measures.

The main cause of road accidents is harsh driving. People drive their vehicles carelessly. Some drivers drive their vehicles after taking some drink. But it is dangerous because drinking and driving can't go together.

We all know that human lives are precious and it can't be left on these careless drivers who ignore the road cautions and signals. We should not show mercy on them. They should be caught and punished. Beside it regular patrolling of police on important places and Dope-test of drivers should be done regularly. The rules should be followed strictly to avoid these accidents.


These road accidents occur due to the lack of civic sense in the people and their ignorance of road and traffic signals. The pedestrians are overrun because they try to cross the roads at places of their choice. The number of accidents of people riding scooters and bicycles are very high because most of the young men are beginners and do not know how to ride on traffic.

It is high time that your noble institution took a serious view of the lapses on the part of the drivers. This can be done only by levying heavy fines and the forfeiture of their licenses. Licenses, too, should be checked frequently.

I have seen many walkers, runners, joggers and bicyclists practicing potentially dangerous actions being on the wrong side of the road. Runners, walkers and joggers should always be on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

Being on the right side with traffic at your back can be dangerous because you cannot see traffic coming and cannot get out of the way if it is close to you.

It may not be possible for cars to move to the left due to traffic in the lanes to their left. When it is dark, people should wear or carry something reflective so motorists can see them.
Practicing these simple rules will assure our safety. Parents, should be advised to tell their children to abide by the traffic rules and set examples by practicing the rules too.

The rule of the road for bicyclists is to always ride on the right side of the road the same way that cars are traveling. Ride to the side of the road and abide by the same rules that cars follow stopping for all stop signs and red traffic lights.

An excellent safety item for a bicycle is a rear view mirror so you can see traffic behind you and move safely to the side of the road. Bicycles should have reflectors on the bike and clothing if riding at night. A light and rear reflector will help motorist see the bike riders better.

Several bike riders in the past year have suffered serious head injuries in bike accidents because they were not wearing a helmet.

Motorists, should be aware of bicyclists, runners and walkers. When they come upon them, they should slow down and move to the left and safely go around them.  They should not honk or yell at them. This could startle the person and lead to an accident.

I shall be grateful if you kindly give consideration to the matter so that the traffic authorities wake up to the need of security of the people and take strong measures against the erring drivers.

The Gambia belongs to us The Gambians both those home and abroad, and by putting our thoughts on paper we shall reach at a solution.


Sincerely,

Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Blogger, Activist


Thursday 17 August 2017

An Open Letter to the Vice Chancellor, University of The Gambia!


Dear Prof. Dr Faqir Muhammad Anjum,

I am writing this letter to you miles away from home with respect, profound esteem and admiration, I hope my letter will find you in a cheerful frame of attention and the finest, premium of spirits. It is probable that you may perhaps not get time to read this letter; even if you did manage this, I might not get a response from you. Yet I would like to pour my emotion out.

I’m writing this to you in the anticipation that perhaps it would make you step into the shoes of the students who currently are trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea, to bring to your notice about how massively confused they all are.

Of recent I learnt that the University of The Gambia is about to launch Ph.D. programs in various disciplines. As an alumni  of the UTG I think it is  quiet important to bring to your attention matters that need to be solve before embarking on Ph.D. programs in order to make the University of The Gambia a world class university in the sub region and the world at large.

I don’t deny the fact that The University of The Gambia has produced many intellects, brains and will continue to produce who are able and competent enough to compete in the Marketplace of ideas and world market of recruitment as far beyond Pluto. But despite the fact of all those efforts we still need to double up and tight our belts for a better university we dream.

The other point is that conducting examinations in a rough mode exacts a terrible price. Ideally, examinations should and must examine and determine the nature and depth of learning of a pupil. In other words, it should be a component of quality education. However, here the motto of getting qualitative education is not observed. If we continue on the same path, we will find ourselves in a fool’s paradise with vacant minds and degrees clinging to hands. These circumstances have compelled students to think – and who knows some might have previously done – of leaving their bachelors whereas some want to go with the flow.  What excellent features this will pass on to our education system is unambiguously clear to all.

In reality, what happens at the UTG is that students, in attempting to reach their target in a meager time leave topics remain untouched and in this context students take recourse to   “Ratification” – memorizing anything without understanding it- to reach their parents expectations.  What ensues is what may be called the trap and vortex of repulsive percentage. Undoubtedly, this trend will not confer any laurels to our educational picture.

Both lecturers and student find it difficult to access the internet which is a top priority in the world of academia. Since we are in the 21st century where most of the thing are done through internet I see no reason why that priority shouldn’t be provided at the UTG. Similarly, there is no dedicated computer laboratory for UTG students and internet speeds are slow, limiting downloads.

The average students at the University of The Gambia are facing problems coping with the annual increment on tuition fees associated with university education in the Gambia.

The toilet condition of the university campus are very bad which both students and lecturers find it very difficult to use. I remember my first day when I visited the toilet at MDI campus I asked my self is this the university we dream and want to see.

The teaching/learning space is very crucial in education. Challenges related to infra-structure include classroom space, poor internet connectivity, interrupted electricity, and lack access to peer-reviewed journal articles. The current infrastructure at both programs needs expansion in order to accommodate the increasing number of students at bachelor’s level.

There are few LCD projectors and no interactive boards. Furthermore, equipment in the skill laboratories are very paramount in learning, these need updating to meet current standards and include mannequins, patient beds, and basic nursing equipment (sphygmomanometers, weighing scales, thermometers, etc.) for an adequately functioning skills lab. Simulation facilities are available but have older models. The libraries at both programs need upgrading as many of the text books and journals are outdated by ten or more years. Some of the books in these schools are donated by student alumni association or individual in the Diaspora.

For now the UTG should be working on how to improve their B.Sc. programs. There is no need for the rush. Most of us know what and how it takes to earn a degree in the UTG, the need to establish a research department is apparent. Students would often graduate without writing research papers because of many reasons. Is just irrational to jump up to offering Master’s program, much more PhD.

At this point in time, the government as a stakeholder should concentrate in regulating the tertiary educational system by reducing the number of secondary schools and increasing vocational institutions throughout the length and breadth of the country. This is good because it will address the skills shortage in the country and prepare youths with lifelong skills.

Taking initiatives to refine education without the resources that needs to be implemented is wholly unrealistic and ensues as a misery in disguise on students. A case in point is the “Ph.D.” proposed program. There is not a single reason for what one should appreciate this opinion. The initiative has turned out ordinary to burn a hole in students’ pockets without giving them a good education in return.

Thank you

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Alumni University of The Gambia
School of Business and Public Administration
Class of 2013


Sunday 13 August 2017

Who Should be Consumed by The Law?



Dear Folks,

Please be reminded that Mai Ahmad Fatty the minister of Interior once alleged against the Fonika's that they were with local arms during the demonstration in Kanilai.

In another development the minister of information communication and technology Demba A. Jawo is on record who said the ECoMIG soldiers used rubber bullets which is also a big propaganda as far beyond mountain Everest.

If Mama should be arrested or called for questioning as per the allegations made against the Barrow lead administration, I see no reason why Mai and Demba A. Jawo shouldn’t be consumed by the law 89m deep below sea level.

Mama allegations are political strategy which are allowed in any political theory, discipline and arena. Being an opposition to a ruling party is a constitutional right of a citizen within the state of nature.

During Jammeh's era he was accused of many evil and wrong doing some of which he never deed. Thanks to the allegations by folks both those home and abroad as a result which lead to the reason of his downfall and send packing to Equatorial Guinea. If Jammeh used the platform to invite politicians for questioning believe you in me there will be nothing like new Gambia today.

This act by the Gambia Police Force is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unlawful and it is a threat to The Gambia’s newly born democracy. The Police have pressing issues to solve such as the high increasing, swelling rate of armed robbery, rape, murder and theft

The questions one might be quick to as asked will be, is it a crime under the laws of our dear mother land for a politician to comment on such and are we in the era of constitutional hijack and coup?

If yes then Mai and Demba should be invited for questioning too. This act show a clear testimony that we are in the era of selective justice. Where citizens are treated based on loyalty to political party.  

This is not The Gambia we dream neither The Gambia we want to see. We dream of The Gambia where the concept and theory of democracy will be put in to practice and implemented to the maximum level as far beyond the red sea.

Rule for one should be rule for all, if we want to make The Gambia the last place of peace, harmony and hope on earth. As mention in our national anthem “Let justice guide our action towards the common goal”

In rebuilding a new Gambia we want all politicians should be treated equally despite of their political ideology and party.


NB: I'm not a member of GDC but writing in my capacity as a Political Activist.

God Save The Gambia. Amen!

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Blogger/Activist


Wednesday 2 August 2017

Open Letter To President Adama Barrow


You’re Excellency,

I take this golden opportunity to congratulate you on your victory and celebration of the independence of our dear mother land under your visionary leadership in the smiling coast of Africa.

Your Excellency Sir, being the chief servant of the Gambian people. I think that it is quiet important to bring to your attention issues that will make The Gambia huge and great as per your philosophy “one Gambia, one people, and one nation”.

You Excellency Sir, once again may I remind you that there are many inmates in various prisons across the countries who are Gambians. I deem it necessary for them to take part in the voting processes to elect their candidate since they are Gambians too.

The inmates encompass a large portion of the population, whom are not represented since they don’t vote for the person of their choice who shall represent them at such important tradition such as Presidential, Parliamentary, Councillorship and Mayoral. In other to make The Gambia the last place of hope on earth.

Your Excellency, I am appealing to you and your administration to make a SWOT analysis and a feasibility   study to access the impact of my request as per the voting of the inmates.

In another development road accidents have been on the increase in the country in spite of the precaution of the traffic authorities. Many young and innocent persons lose their lives every day.
These road accidents occur due to the lack of civic sense in the people and their ignorance of road and traffic signals. The pedestrians are overrun because they try to cross the roads at places of their choice. The number of accidents of people riding scooters and bicycles are very high because most of the young men are beginners and do not know how to ride on traffic.

Another cause of the fatal accidents is rash driving. The truck drivers are mostly dead drunk and, therefore, care not a fig for traffic rules. They drive their trucks at a high speed even through congested localities, and crush down whoever comes in the way.

It is high time that authorities took a serious view of the lapses on the part of the drivers. This can be done only by levying heavy fines and the forfeiture of their licenses. Licenses, too, should be checked frequently.

I shall be grateful if you kindly give publicity to the matter so that the traffic authorities wake up to the need of security of the people and take strong measures against the erring drivers.

The Gambia belongs to us The Gambians both those home and abroad, and by putting our thoughts on paper we shall reach at a solution.

Finally I take this superb prospect to thank you on your dynamic headship style in ensuring all Gambians the freedom of expression.

Thank you


By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Activist/ Blogger