
Gabonese students studying in Senegal have raised urgent concerns over delays in the payment of scholarships and tuition fees, with some reporting they have gone as long as seven months without financial support.
The prolonged delays have placed students in precarious situations, affecting their ability to pay rent, cover living expenses, and access medical care.
Many say the lack of clarity and communication has left them struggling to focus on their studies.
“Why these repeated payment delays? Why no clear communication about these deadlines? How are we supposed to report excellent results under these conditions?” a group of students questioned through their spokesperson.
The students are calling on the Gabonese government and the Gabonese National Scholarship Agency (ANBG) to take immediate action. They demand regularisation of pending transfers, strict adherence to payment schedules, and full transparency whenever delays occur.
Additionally, the students are requesting the appointment of a dedicated manager in Dakar to ensure better monitoring and support for scholarship recipients. Such a measure, they argue, would help prevent similar disruptions in the future and provide a direct channel for resolving issues.
The spokesperson emphasized that the situation is not just about financial hardship, but also about maintaining academic performance and well-being. “Without stable support, our studies are at risk, and our health and daily lives are compromised,” they said.
This development highlights broader challenges faced by African students studying abroad, where bureaucratic inefficiencies and delayed funding can undermine academic success and personal welfare.
As the students await a response, the call for accountability and improved management of scholarships underscores the importance of consistent and transparent support for nationals pursuing higher education overseas.