By Sering Mass Jallow
Newly admitted students at the University of The Gambia (UTG) have expressed concern over delays in the issuance of acceptance letters required to commence their studies.
Several students who applied during the first phase of the university’s admission process in June and were subsequently shortlisted as eligible applicants said they were still waiting for their acceptance letters, despite the start of the new academic semester.
Speaking to The Voice, Nyima Darboe expressed frustration over the delay, saying it had affected her preparations for the new semester.
“I applied and was shortlisted since June. Lectures are already underway and I still haven’t received my acceptance letter to take the next step. It is honestly a worrying start for a new student,” she said.
A source familiar with the university’s admissions office in Kanifing attributed the delay to the heavy workload handled by a small number of staff.
The source said the office was processing applications from nearly 3,000 prospective students, while only a few staff members were responsible for issuing acceptance letters.
“These people are overwhelmed with the workload here. We are talking about close to 3,000 applicants. For this number, a team of only two or three staff members sending acceptance letters to each applicant will take time,” the source said.
The delay has raised concerns among newly admitted students, particularly as lectures for the new semester were scheduled to commence on Monday, 14 September 2026.
Students said prolonged delays in receiving their acceptance letters could affect their ability to fully participate in the academic program and called on the university authorities to expedite the process.
“We just want to be accepted as soon as possible to start our studies,” some of the new intakes said.