Justice Sonia Orders Respondent Be Served Hearing Notice in University Appeal Case

The High Court Annex in Banjul heard a civil appeal involving the University of The Gambia, with Justice Sonia Akinbiyi K.J.W. ordering that the respondents be served with the hearing notice, and proof of service placed in the court file.

The appeal was filed by the University of The Gambia, represented by acting registrar Bobo Baldeh, against Dr. Alieu Gibba and Professor Matarr Njie. It followed a ruling by the Kanifing Industrial Tribunal delivered on 31 January 2025.

The university challenged the tribunal’s jurisdiction and expressed dissatisfaction with its decision.

In the notice of appeal, the university argued that the tribunal erred in law by claiming jurisdiction to hear the matter, despite the Tertiary and Higher Education Act 2016, which provides dispute resolution mechanisms prior to court intervention.

The appellants also contended that the tribunal overlooked provisions granting an aggrieved party 30 days to appeal to the High Court after notification of the tribunal’s decision.