VP Backtracks, Apologizes After National Uproar Over Teacher Pay Remarks

The Office of Vice President Muhammed B. S. Jallow has issued a clarification and apology following widespread backlash over controversial comments on teachers’ salaries made during a session of the National Assembly of The Gambia.

In a statement released on April 7, the Vice President acknowledged the growing outrage from educators and the public, expressing “sincere regret” over what he described as a misunderstanding. He insisted that his remarks, suggesting comparisons between teachers’ pay and that of lawmakers, were made “in good faith” to highlight improvements in teacher welfare, not to undermine the profession.

The comments, delivered during the debate on the State of the Nation Address, had sparked sharp criticism nationwide, with many teachers and observers accusing the Vice President of being out of touch with the economic realities facing educators.

Facing mounting pressure, the Vice President extended a direct apology to teachers through the Gambia Teachers’ Union, reaffirming his “deep respect” for the profession and his long-standing ties to the education sector.

Despite the apology, the incident has ignited a broader national conversation about teacher remuneration, with many calling for concrete reforms rather than assurances.

The Office concluded by pledging continued efforts to improve the welfare, dignity, and professional standing of teachers, but for many, the damage may already have been done.