I am writing this open letter to express my deep disappointment and concern about the failure to name any block at the Faraba Banta Campus of the University of The Gambia (UTG) in honor of the late Dr. Saja Taal of blessed memory. As a Tallian who has passed through him and a concerned member of the university community, I am a staunch advocate for recognizing the contributions of our esteemed educators. I believe that the failure to name a block after Dr. Taal represents a missed opportunity to honor the legacy of a remarkable scholar.
The last time I checked Dr. Saja Taal dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in education and made significant contributions to the academic and intellectual development of countless students, including myself, at the University of The Gambia. He had a great impact on research and scholarship in the fields of political science and tourism, advancing knowledge and understanding in key areas of inquiry. His mentorship and encouragement have empowered many students to pursue higher education in various fields of study, develop their talents, and make meaningful contributions to society. His passion for teaching, commitment to student success, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of knowledge were truly exemplary. His influence on the university community will be felt for generations to come.
Surprisingly the library has been named after former Vice President Dr. Alieu Badara Joof, and I have been wondering what has he done that was not done by Dr Saja Taal. Be reminded that Dr Taal was among the pioneers of the establishment of the UTG at a time when many did not buy the idea. He solely developed the political science and tourism curriculum which are a household name at the UTG.
I strongly believe that to honor Dr. Saja Taal’s contributions, the university should name a block at the Faraba Campus after him. This gesture will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for current and future students, faculty, and staff.
Against this backdrop, I humbly urge the UTG’s Governing Council to give due consideration to this request. By naming a block after Dr. Saja Taal, the university should demonstrate its commitment to honoring the contributions of its esteemed educators and preserving their legacy for future generations.
I trust that the Governing Council will take the necessary steps to honor the memory of Dr. Saja Taal in a meaningful and enduring way. While I look forward to seeing this dream coming to a reality, please accept the assurance of my consideration.
Yours in the service of the nation-building
Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Political & Civil Rights Activist
