GAMEMB/BJ/167 Part 11 (248-OBB)
14 January 2026
For Immediate Release
Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia to the People’s Republic of China
On Recent Media Allegations Concerning Scholarship Assistance
The Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia in the People’s Republic of China issues this statement pursuant to instructions received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad in Banjul, in response to recent media allegations by certain Gambian students concerning scholarship assistance.
The Embassy considers it necessary, in the interest of accuracy and public clarity, to place the following facts firmly on record:
First, out of a total of over one hundred and thirty (130) Gambian students currently in the People’s Republic of China, only ten (10) students are affected by the specific scholarship-related issues that have been the subject of recent media reports. Any attempt to portray this matter as affecting the broader Gambian student population in China is therefore grossly misleading and factually incorrect.
Second, it must be clearly stated that the affected students travelled to China on their own initiative under self-sponsorship arrangements. They were not beneficiaries of government-to-government scholarships or ministry or institution -facilitated sponsorships at the time of their arrival. This critical fact has been omitted in public narratives and has contributed significantly to the misrepresentation of the situation.
Notwithstanding this, and acting in good faith and in line with humanitarian gesture, the Embassy nevertheless extended support and advocacy on behalf of the students to the Ministry of Higher Education Research Science and Technology through official diplomatic channels. These efforts included formal correspondence, follow-ups, consultations, and the provision of guidance to the students, despite the fact that their initial status fell outside formal scholarship frameworks.
The Embassy and by extension the Government of The Gambia therefore categorically reject the allegation that no definitive resolution has been achieved as if the students were prepared and sent by the Government of The Gambia. Such claims are false, misleading, and inconsistent with the documented actions undertaken by the Embassy within the scope of its mandate and diplomatic practice. Further it’s imperative to bring to the fore that the students’ tuition fees and stipends for the academic year 2024-2025 have been duly settled. Additionally, the stipends for the academic year 2025-2026 have already been disbursed. The remaining matter pertains solely to the tuition component of 2025-2026 Academic Year to be settled by the Government of the Gambia. However, Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology has encountered delays attributable to budgetary cycles and prevailing fiscal constraints arising from competing national priorities.
The Embassy regrets that, instead of acknowledging the support already rendered by Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and failure to adhere to the advice of the embassy by engaging constructively through established channels, certain individuals chose to resort to the media and being economical with the facts. This approach is irresponsible, counterproductive, and damaging to ongoing efforts by the embassy and the Government of The Gambia as part of the broader scheme of duty of care and protecting the interests of Gambian students abroad.
Accordingly, acting strictly in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, the Embassy remains committed to the welfare of Gambian nationals in China and will continue to provide assistance within the limits of its responsibilities. However, the Embassy will not accept attempts to undermine its integrity or that of the Government of The Gambia through misinformation or public pressure tactics.
The Embassy urges the media and the public to rely on accurate and verified information, and calls on all Gambian students to engage with the Embassy in a spirit of honesty, responsibility, and mutual respect.
The Embassy reserves the right, in line with instructions from Banjul, to take any further appropriate measures necessary to safeguard its institutional credibility and that of the Government of The Gambia.
Issued by:
Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia
Beijing, People’s Republic of China
