Kebba Madi Bojang Challenges Education Critics to a Public Debate

Gambian politician Kebba Madi Bojang has challenged people questioning his education record to face him in a public debate, after questions arose over the documents he submitted as a presidential candidate. Speaking to supporters in Brikama, he argued that formal qualifications alone do not determine whether someone can lead well. Bojang filed nomination papers for the December 5 presidential election on Friday. The article reports that he submitted a 2025 private WASSCE result but no accompanying certificate. Electoral law requires presidential candidates to have completed senior secondary education, be at least 30 years old and obtain nominations from at least 5,000 registered voters, among other conditions. The IEC chairman, Joseph Colley, reportedly questioned why Bojang sat the WASSCE at age 51. The issue prompted public debate about whether the candidate’s educational qualifications meet the requirements. Bojang said he studied at Alpha Khan and also completed college programmes, adding that his life experience had helped prepare him for his work. He invited those disputing his education to meet him at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre for a debate. Bojang said education has no age limit and maintained that experience and vision matter alongside academic study. He also criticised his online detractors, arguing that they should demonstrate how their education has benefited others rather than mock him. The challenge leaves the dispute over his credentials in the public eye as the election approaches. The article reports Bojang’s account and the IEC chairman’s concern, but does not say whether the electoral authorities have made a final determination about his eligibility.