NAQAA Directs All Tertiary Institutions to Charge Fees Only in Gambian Dalasi

By CTV Africa

Banjul, The Gambia – The National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA) has directed all registered and accredited tertiary and higher education institutions in The Gambia to quote, advertise, invoice, and collect tuition fees and all other institutional charges exclusively in Gambian Dalasi (GMD).

The directive, issued on 17 July 2026, forms part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and fairness in the country’s tertiary and higher education sector.

According to NAQAA, the practice of quoting tuition fees in foreign currencies has created financial uncertainty for students, parents, guardians, and sponsors due to fluctuations in exchange rates. The Authority said adopting the Gambian Dalasi as the sole currency for educational charges will provide greater consistency, improve financial planning, and protect students and their families from unexpected increases in education costs.

Under the new directive, all institutions must ensure that tuition fees and other charges—including registration, examination, graduation, laboratory, accommodation, and administrative fees—are clearly stated in Gambian Dalasi on all official documents and publications.

These include admission letters, application forms, brochures, websites, advertisements, invoices, receipts, and any other materials containing information on institutional fees.

NAQAA has instructed institutions that currently quote or collect fees in foreign currencies to review and revise their financial documents and fee structures to comply with the directive within the stipulated implementation period.

The Authority warned that failure to comply could result in regulatory action under the provisions of the NAQAA Act, 2021, and other applicable laws governing higher education institutions in The Gambia.

NAQAA also called on students, parents, guardians, sponsors, and members of the public to report any institution that continues to advertise or demand tuition fees in currencies other than the Gambian Dalasi.

The Authority said the directive is intended to safeguard the interests of students, promote sound financial management, and strengthen the integrity and accountability of The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education system.