Speaking on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez admitted that students are owed stipends for May, June and July, after the last payments covered only March and April. Students had appealed to the minister, describing their plight as a humanitarian crisis rather than a political issue. I confirm that we owe them some arrears,” Prof. Gomez said. Drawing on his own experience as a former international student, Prof. Gomez acknowledged the psychological toll of delayed stipends. Prof. Gomez sought to reassure students: “I want to assure the students that all the commitments of the Government of The Gambia will be respected.