By Isatou Sarr
The High Court Annex in Banjul on Tuesday heard a civil appeal filed by the University of The Gambia (UTG), with Justice Sonia Akinbiyi K.J.W. ordering that the respondents be served with a hearing notice and that proof of service be filed in the court record.
The appeal was filed by UTG, represented by its Acting Registrar, Bobo Baldeh, against Dr. Alieu Dibba and Professor Matarr Njie, following a ruling delivered by the Kanifing Industrial Tribunal on 31 January 2025.
UTG expressed dissatisfaction with the tribunal’s decision, challenging its jurisdiction and raising several legal objections.
In its notice of appeal, the university argued that the tribunal erred in law by assuming jurisdiction over the matter despite provisions in the Tertiary and Higher Education Act 2016, which outline dispute resolution mechanisms to be exhausted before court intervention.
The university further contended that the tribunal failed to consider provisions granting an aggrieved party 30 days to appeal to the High Court after notification of the tribunal’s decision.
Additional grounds of appeal include the tribunal’s classification of the respondents as “public servants,” despite their remuneration being drawn from the Consolidated Fund, and its failure to rule on objections concerning the proper parties to the suit, thereby questioning the competence of the case. UTG also argued that the tribunal’s ruling was against the weight of the evidence presented.
The university is seeking, among other reliefs, a declaration that the tribunal’s decision is incompetent, a confirmation that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction, and a determination on the alleged improper joinder of parties.
The respondents in the appeal are Dr. Alieu Dibba, who resides in Banjul, and Professor Matarr Njie of Kololi.
During proceedings, counsel A.A. Wakawa, representing UTG, informed the court that the record of proceedings had been served on Fatimah S. Jobe of M.H.B. Jallow & Co. on 22 December 2025, in compliance with earlier court directives. He also requested 14 days to file the appellant’s brief.
Justice Sonia ordered that the hearing notice be issued to the respondents and that proof of service be duly filed. The case was adjourned to 30th March 2026 for adoption.
