By Seedy Jobe
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology said on Tuesday that the government spends 36 million dalasis annually to subsidize bus transportation for students of the University of The Gambia traveling to its Faraba Banta campus, seeking to address recent concerns over access and affordability.
In a statement issued on April 14, the ministry said public discussion had understated the scale of government support, emphasizing that a dedicated transport scheme is already in place for students commuting to the campus.
“Contrary to the impression that limited support exists, the ministry wishes to clarify that the Government of The Gambia is currently subsidizing a dedicated transport scheme,” the statement said.
Under an arrangement with the Gambia Transport Service Company, students pay 10 dalasis per trip from Westfield to Faraba Banta, with the government covering the remaining cost. The subsidy, the ministry said, totals 36 million dalasis per year and supports a fleet of 20 buses.
Officials described the initiative as part of a broader higher education reform agenda aimed at reducing financial barriers and improving student welfare across the country’s tertiary institutions.
The ministry also addressed accommodation challenges, saying it is working with development partners, including Brighter Futures, to expand student housing and ease the burden of daily commuting.
Plans are underway to construct modern dormitories at the Faraba Banta campus and at Brikama, where the University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology and the University of Education, The Gambia, are based.
The ministry said it would continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that higher education in The Gambia remains accessible, affordable, and supportive of academic success.
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