By Ebrima Mbaye, Information and Communications Minister, UTGSU
There are moments when a university loses more than a student, a lecturer or a former student leader. There are moments when an institution loses a part of its own story.
For the University of The Gambia (UTG), the death of Yunusa Mbaye was one such moment.
On 15 June 2026, news of Mbaye’s death sent shockwaves across the university community and beyond. A graduate assistant, former student leader, educator, activist and son of Bansang, Yunusa was allegedly fatally stabbed during an altercation in Fajara. He was rushed to hospital but could not survive his injuries.
He was not simply remembered for the position he once held. He was remembered for the person he was.
Yunusa served as Vice President of the 22nd Executive Council of the University of The Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU), where colleagues saw a young man deeply committed to fairness, student representation and public service.
His journey from student leadership to academia reflected the possibilities university life can create for young Gambians who choose to serve beyond themselves. His death therefore struck a particularly painful chord among UTG students.
A Name That Meant Character
Those who worked closely with Yunusa describe a man whose greatest strength was not his title, but his character.
Former UTGSU President Muhammed Ngallan, who worked closely with him, described Yunusa as one of the most honest and incorruptible people he had ever known.
“A friend, brother and leader. One of the few I believed stood a chance in changing our country. The Gambia has lost a great soul.”
Ngallan remembered his infectious smile, late-night conversations, intellectual curiosity and commitment to student causes.
Another former UTG student leader and close colleague, Nyaninka Manjang, described Yunusa as “a dedicated companion, a dependable colleague, and a brother whose kindness, humility, and commitment touched the lives of many.”
Manjang also remembered Yunusa’s willingness to acknowledge when he was wrong, his devotion to faith and his quiet generosity towards others.
For Foday M. Sillah, who knew Yunusa for 16 years, from their school days in Bansang to their professional and student leadership years, the loss was deeply personal. He described Yunusa as “a steadfast pillar and a great comrade”, someone who spoke the truth, set standards and possessed uncommon humility.
At UTG, students and academics remember a young intellectual with a deep interest in history and philosophy, including the history of the Ottoman Empire. To one colleague, he was simply “an activist to the core.”
For others, his legacy was deeply personal.
Student Suna Jarju remembered him as a source of encouragement who affectionately called her “my smartest Gal.”
His childhood friend Ousman Jarra struggled to process the loss: “My childhood friend is killed. This one again hits hard.”
Sarjo Jassey reflected on the lasting impact of his friendship:
“Though you are gone, your friendship and the impact you made will always remain in my heart. The university will remember you forever, and history will never forget you.”
From Student Leader to Educator
Yunusa’s story was one of progression.
He moved from student activism and representation into education, becoming a graduate assistant at the same university where he had once served as a student leader.
That transition carried a powerful message: leadership does not necessarily end with graduation.
He continued to teach, mentor, engage and dream. Those who knew him say he had ambitions for postgraduate studies and a future of greater service. His plans, like his life, were cut short too soon.
Yet his journey leaves behind a question for every student who walks through the gates of UTG:
What will you do with your time here?
Yunusa answered that question through service. He participated in student leadership, advocated for students, pursued education, taught, built relationships and stood for his principles.
In doing so, he became part of the history of the University of The Gambia.
Turning Grief into Legacy
In the aftermath of his death, grief was accompanied by action.
The 24th Executive Council of the UTGSU, alongside other well-wishers, initiated a charity fundraiser in honour of the late Senator Yunusa Mbaye. The initiative raised D306,000, through contributions received by UTGSU and donations mobilised by Ebrima Jallow, popularly known as Ghetto Pen.
The funds were allocated as follows:
Borehole Project: D172,000
Family Sustenance: D100,000
Prayer Mats, Kettles and Sajadas: D18,825
Qur’ans: D10,000
Transportation of Donated Items: D5,175
Total Funds Utilised: D306,000
The borehole project has been undertaken by Leigh Properties in Bansang, Yunusa’s hometown. Prayer mats, kettles, Qur’ans and other donated items will also be transported to Bansang, while some items will be donated to UTG in his memory.
The initiative transforms grief into something tangible: a legacy that can continue serving people long after his passing.
The Case and the Search for Justice
Yunusa’s death is also the subject of an ongoing murder trial before the High Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh.
Mamadou Bah has been charged with murder under Sections 155 and 156 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025. The prosecution alleges that on 15 June 2026 in Fajara, Bah caused Yunusa’s death by stabbing him in the neck with a broken bottle. Bah has pleaded not guilty.
During proceedings, prosecution witnesses have testified about the circumstances surrounding the altercation. A consultant pathologist told the court that Yunusa died from massive external blood loss resulting from a deep stab wound that damaged muscles and blood vessels on the left side of his neck.
The prosecution has continued presenting its case, while the defence has challenged aspects of the evidence.
The matter was most recently adjourned to 15 October 2026 at 11:00 a.m., when the prosecution is expected to call its eighth witness.
For UTG students, the proceedings represent more than a legal process. They are also a reminder of the importance of justice, due process and accountability following the loss of a member of their community.
Remember His Name
Yunusa Mbaye should not be remembered only because of the manner in which he died.
He should be remembered because of how he lived.
Remember the student leader who believed in service.
Remember the educator who returned to the university to contribute.
Remember the activist who cared about fairness.
Remember the friend who encouraged others.
Remember the young Gambian who dreamed beyond himself.
Remember the man whose colleagues described him as honest, humble, hardworking, visionary and incorruptible.
The University of The Gambia will continue to produce graduates. It will continue to elect student leaders and appoint lecturers and graduate assistants.
But there was only one Yunusa Mbaye.
His seat may be empty. His voice may be silent. His footsteps may no longer cross the corridors of UTG. But the values he represented do not have to disappear with him. And a young Gambian whose unfinished story has become part of the history of the University of The Gambia.
May his memory remain a reminder that leadership is not about the position you occupy, but the lives you touch while you are here.