By Alimatu Kargbo
A high-stakes General Assembly meeting held on April 13, 2026, brought together students and leaders of the university community to address pressing academic, welfare, and governance issues, with strong attention centered on reports circulating about the alleged suspension of the Vice-Chancellor.
The meeting, convened under the Office of the Director of Academic Affairs in collaboration with the Senior Warden of Students, aimed to update students on key institutional matters including publication of grades, release of second semester certificates, sports activities, and broader student welfare concerns.
Opening the assembly, student leaders emphasized the importance of unity, participation, and student engagement in institutional affairs. They encouraged first-year students and the wider student body to take active roles in shaping discussions affecting their academic environment.
Chairing one of the sessions, Karim Joana, described the gathering as a platform for unity and transparency, stressing that student leadership remains committed to addressing welfare concerns and ensuring that student voices are heard.
Academic updates were delivered by Zainab Saffa, who reassured students that first semester results were in the process of compilation and verification. She urged students to monitor their academic records closely and follow proper procedures in addressing missing or incorrect grades, noting that publication is expected by the end of April.
The Social Welfare portfolio, represented by Alfred Sande, also announced upcoming student social activities, including an “After-School Fiesta” and the “Mr. and Miss Magai Awards Night,” aimed at promoting student engagement beyond academics.
A key highlight of the assembly was the address by Campus Governor John Bobson, who reported that the first semester examinations were conducted peacefully without any student being sent out for fee-related issues. He attributed this to constructive engagement between the Student Union and university administration.
Bobson further outlined ongoing advocacy efforts to improve water and sanitation, classroom conditions, and student representation in decision-making processes, while reaffirming that student welfare remains a non-negotiable priority.
However, the most intense moment of the gathering came during the intervention of Student Union President Fela, who raised concerns over circulating reports regarding governance decisions, including the alleged suspension of the Vice-Chancellor.
Fela questioned the legality and procedural correctness of such reports, citing provisions of the University Act No. 5 of 2021, and called for full clarification from the Governing Council. He stressed the need for due process, institutional transparency, and respect for established governance structures.
He further noted that while students have the right to demand accountability, such actions must be pursued through lawful and peaceful engagement rather than misinformation or speculation.
“There has been no official confirmation communicated to the Student Union regarding the alleged suspension,” he stated, urging students to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
The President also revealed that a subcommittee has been established to review recruitment processes involving 105 staff members, describing it as part of ongoing institutional accountability efforts.
In his concluding remarks, Fela called for unity among students, stating that their collective voice remains central to protecting the integrity and stability of the institution.
The assembly ended with an open forum, allowing students to express concerns and seek clarification on governance and academic matters, marking a tense but significant moment in the university’s ongoing administrative discourse.
