NAQAA Directs Tertiary Institutions to Quote All Fees in Gambian Dalasi

• July 17, 2026
• MoHERST

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

The directive, issued on July 17, 2026, is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and fairness in the management of tertiary and higher education services across the country.

According to NAQAA, the use of foreign currencies in quoting tuition fees creates uncertainty for students, parents, guardians, and sponsors due to exchange rate fluctuations. The Authority noted that adopting the Gambian Dalasi as the sole currency for educational charges will promote consistency, support financial planning, and protect students and their families from unpredictable cost changes.

Under the new directive, institutions are required to ensure that all fees—including tuition, registration, examination, graduation, laboratory, accommodation, and other administrative charges—are clearly stated in Gambian Dalasi on admission letters, brochures, websites, advertisements, application forms, invoices, receipts, and other official publications.

NAQAA has instructed institutions currently using foreign currencies in their fee structures to review and update their financial documents to comply with the directive within the timeframe provided by the Authority.

The Authority further warned that institutions found in breach of the directive may face regulatory action in accordance with the NAQAA Act, 2021, and other relevant laws.

Students, parents, guardians, sponsors, and members of the public have been encouraged to report any institution that continues to advertise or demand tuition fees in currencies other than the Gambian Dalasi.

NAQAA said the measure is intended to protect students’ interests, promote sound financial practices, and strengthen the integrity of The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education sector.