UTG Students' Union endowment fund scandal: Panel clears Badjie, orders Jarjusey to repay D1 million

In a significant development regarding the University of The Gambia (UTG) Students’ Union endowment fund scandal, an investigative panel has cleared Muhammed Badjie of any involvement in the alleged theft, while directing Modou Lamin Jarjusey to repay the full sum of D1 million by October 31.

The panel’s findings revealed that Modou Lamin Jarjusey withdrew the substantial amount from the bank during a period when Muhammed Badjie was reportedly away in the provinces.

Allegations suggest that Jarjusey utilized these funds to secure admission to Florida State University, where he is currently enrolled in a master’s program.

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In a letter addressed to the union, Modou Lamin stated, “I am not entirely responsible for the usage of the D1m and therefore cannot be responsible for it. I will advise you to reach out to Muhammed Badjie for the repayment of the other D500,000.”

He further added, “Additionally, I cannot make an immediate payment of D500,000, and I certainly cannot do it either by 31st October. I am however more than willing to work with you on a payment plan, with feasible monthly installments starting this month.”

Despite the panel’s findings that Muhammed Badjie did not receive the D500,000, questions linger about his decision not to resign as a signatory after leaving office in 2021.

The endowment fund, originally established to support underprivileged students with their tuition fees, now faces challenges in fulfilling its mission due to this financial misappropriation.