By Makutu Manneh
The Gambian Embassy in China has issued a formal response to recent media reports and public statements by a group of Gambian students concerning alleged scholarship-related challenges.
Some Gambian students studying in China had raised concerns that they face possible termination of their studies and deportation due to the non-payment of tuition fees. According to the students, several universities have issued final notices, with some deadlines reportedly set as early as January 10, 2026.
In a press release dated January 14, 2026, the embassy clarified that of the more than 130 Gambian students currently studying in China, only 10 are affected by the scholarship-related issues. The embassy described attempts to portray the situation as affecting the wider Gambian student community in China as “grossly misleading” and factually incorrect.
The embassy further explained that the affected students travelled to China under self-sponsorship arrangements and were not beneficiaries of government-to-government scholarships or any ministry- or institution-facilitated sponsorships at the time of their arrival.
“They were not beneficiaries of government-to-government scholarships or ministry or institution -facilitated sponsorships at the time of their arrival. This critical fact has been omitted in public narratives and has contributed significantly to the misrepresentation of the situation,” the embassy stated.
Despite this, the embassy said it has extended support and advocacy on behalf of the students to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology. This support, it said, has included formal correspondence, follow-ups, consultations, and guidance, even though the students’ initial status fell outside established scholarship frameworks.
“The Embassy and by extension the Government of The Gambia therefore categorically reject the allegation that no definitive resolution has been achieved as if the students were prepared and sent by the Government of The Gambia. Such claims are false, misleading, and inconsistent with the documented actions undertaken by the Embassy within the scope of its mandate and diplomatic practice.”
The embassy disclosed that the students’ tuition fees and stipends for the 2024–2025 academic year have been fully settled, while stipends for the 2025–2026 academic year have already been disbursed.
It added that the outstanding issue relates solely to the tuition component for the 2025–2026 academic year, which is to be settled by the Government of The Gambia. However, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology has reportedly experienced delays due to budgetary cycles and prevailing fiscal constraints arising from competing national priorities.
Acting in line with the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, the embassy reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Gambian nationals in China and pledged to continue providing assistance within the limits of its mandate.
“However, the Embassy will not accept attempts to undermine its integrity or that of the Government of The Gambia through misinformation or public pressure tactics,” the statement warned.
The embassy concluded by urging the media and the public to rely on accurate and verified information, while calling on Gambian students in China to engage with the embassy in a spirit of honesty, responsibility, and mutual respect.
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