MoBSE Bans Private Schools From Compelling Parents to Pay Fees in Foreign Currency

By Fatou Sillah

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has directed that private schools in The Gambia must no longer compel parents, guardians, or sponsors to pay school fees in foreign currency.

In a statement issued this week, the ministry emphasized that the Gambian Dalasi remains the sole legal tender for all domestic transactions, including school fees.

“The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education wishes to bring to the attention of all private schools, parents, guardians, and sponsors that the legal tender in The Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi. Accordingly, it is expected that all school fees for private schools must be paid in Dalasi,” the statement read.

The ministry clarified, however, that parents and sponsors may still choose to pay in foreign currency if they wish, provided such arrangements are voluntary and explicitly agreed upon with the school.

“The payment of school fees in foreign currency is only permissible if it is the voluntary choice of the parent, guardian, or sponsor and where there is explicit agreement with the school,” the statement added.

According to MoBSE, the directive aligns with national monetary and foreign exchange regulations, which mandate the use of the Dalasi for domestic transactions and promote uniformity and transparency in financial dealings.

“This clarification is in line with The Gambia’s monetary and foreign exchange regulations, which stipulate the use of the Dalasi for domestic transactions and encourage uniformity and transparency in financial dealings,” the ministry said.

The ministry urged all private schools to comply fully with the directive, warning that the measure is intended to prevent confusion and safeguard the interests of families and sponsors.