Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1G7bkNsmPz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Claim: Essa Faal, politician and lawyer, stated that degrees from the University of The Gambia (UTG) are not recognized globally and that universities in the United Kingdom (UK) do not accept UTG graduates for further studies.
Verdict: False
Full Text:
The Fact Check Centre – The Gambia investigated the statement made by Mr. Essa Faal by reviewing international accreditation databases, UK university admission policies, and verified examples of UTG graduates who studied or are studying in the UK.
UTG Accreditation:
– UTG is a fully accredited institution under The Gambia’s National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA).
– It is also listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), confirming its global recognition.
UK University Admission Policies
Several UK universities explicitly recognize Gambian qualifications, including degrees from the University of The Gambia. For example, the University of Bradford welcomes Gambian applicants and evaluates Gambian bachelor’s degrees for postgraduate entry (see: https://www.bradford.ac.uk/international/country/gambia/). Similarly, London South Bank University (LSBU) lists Gambia among the eligible countries for degree recognition (see: https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/international/your-country/africa/gambia) . At Keele University, Gambian students are highlighted as part of the institution’s international community (see: https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/internationalstudents/yourcountry/africa/gambiathe/). Likewise, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) considers Gambian bachelor’s degrees for direct entry into undergraduate and postgraduate study (see: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/international/international-students/gambia).
Documented Success Stories:
Numerous UTG graduates have successfully pursued or are pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK, directly contradicting the claim. Below is the list of University of The Gambia graduates who studied/are studying in top Universities in UK; Please note that the list is not exhaustive, but enough to give a verdict on the fact-check story
- Maimuna Jeng – BSc in Political Science-UTG, studied MA Global Media and Communications, SOAS University of London (2021–2022).
- Fatoumatta A. Camara – Bachelor’s in Law-UTG did her LLM in International Commercial and Business Law, University of Essex (2021–2022).
- Ebrima L. Dampha – BSc in Human Resource Management, studied MSc Public Policy and Administration, London School of Economics (2021–2022).
- 9. Policy, University of Sussex (2020–2021).
- Matida Komma – BA in Development studies, UTG, and her Master’s in Gender and Development, University of Sussex in the UK
- Lamin Dibba – MSc Agriculture and Development, University of Reading.
- Nfally Fadera – MA Communications Policy, University of Westminster.
- Isatou Jallow – MA Media Practice for Development and Social Change, University of Sussex.
- Aminata Jaiteh – MA Gender and Development, University of Sussex.
- Modou Lamin Jatta – Postgraduate degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, University of York.
- Ousman Jassey – LLM Human Rights, London School of Economics.
- Fatou Ellika Muloshi – MSc Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management, University of Stirling.
- Alpha M. K. Lowe – English Language at UTG and currently doing his MSc Education (Higher Education) at, University of Oxford.
- Musa Dibba – LLB in Law at UTG and did LLM Human Rights & Justice, Nottingham Trent University.
- Modou Lamin Bah – Master’s in Sports Law, Nottingham Trent University.
- Baba Y Darboe- MSc Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Cranefield University
- Saikou Jeng- BSc In Economics and studied MSc in Economics at The University of Kent
- Saikou Suwareh Jabai- BA Development Studies-UTG and currently studying his MSc in Communication for Development at the University of Reading in UK.
Why These Stories Matter
These examples demonstrate beyond doubt that UTG degrees are not only recognized by UK universities but have also opened doors for Gambian graduates to pursue advanced studies at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. The diversity of disciplines law, agriculture, journalism, development studies, political science, and public policy, reflects the broad acceptance of UTG credentials.
The claim that UTG degrees are not recognized globally and are rejected by UK universities is false. UTG is an accredited institution, and UK universities do accept and assess its degrees. Verified alumni success stories at Oxford, LSE, Sussex, Essex, and Kent further prove that UTG qualifications are recognized internationally.
By Omar Camara