UTG Reacts To “Sex For Grades Scandal”
Far reaching rumours and allegations of the existence of “sex in exchange for grades” at the University of The Gambia, the authorities of the institution has said the principal suspect who is accused of the misconduct was invited to appear before an investigative panel on the 8th February 2023 to respond to allegations levelled against him.
“The principal suspect was invited to appear before the Panel on 8th February 2023, to respond to allegations levelled against him, The Panel sat several times and interviewed other staff and students as witnesses.” UTG management stated.
In a memorandum sent to the UTG community, the management said the lecturer concerned has also been denied access to the portal pending the outcome of the case.
“As a matter of procedure, the Report of the Fact-Finding Panel shall be presented to the standing Disciplinary Committee for consideration and recommendations which will be submitted to The Governing Council for action,” the management’s memo said.
The management further disclosed that the UTG Governing Council has ratified the decision of the Senate to expunge the names of eight students who were purportedly affected by the grade tampering saga from the list of graduates for the recent convocation ceremony held last month pending the outcome of the investigations.
” At the special Governing Council Meeting held on 23rd February 2023, to consider and ratify the fist of graduands for the 15 Convocation Ceremony, Management reported to Council the decision of the Senate to expunge the names of eight (8) out of the ten (10) students affected from the graduation list, the Governing Council, without equivocation, ratified the decision of the Senate.” The UTG management said.
The University of The Gambia management said In January 2023, allegations were rife within the University community that the grades of some students had been altered/tampered with in the student portal.
According to the memo the UTG has put in the following measures to ensure greater control in the preparation, reviewing and endorsement and approval of grades/results.:
A, Only personnel from the Registry shall enter the grades in the portal
B. The Lecturer preparing the end-of-course grades must check and sign the result sheets in hard copies.
C. The Heads of Departments (HOD) or Deans shall upon being satisfied with the results sheet sign the reviewed end-of-course grades.
D. The approved end-of-course grades must then be submitted to the School/FacuIty Examination Board for additional scrutiny and endorsement before submission to Senate. School Examination Boards will be chaired by a Senior Academic outside the School assisted by a Deputy Chair (also from another School) as part of a peer review mechanism to strengthen internal controls and accountability.
E After consideration of the results by the Senate, the Chairperson of the Senate or his delegate shall approve and sign the report.”
Meanwhile the University of the Gambia Students Union also issued a statement on the allegations, saying it has taken it with serious concerns.
The students said they are monitoring the investigation with utter seriousness to ensure justice prevails.
