The Africa Youth Leadership Institute Alumni – The Gambia Chapter has cautioned all Gambian students and alumni affiliated with the Institute that the entity known as the Western College of Nassau (WCN), which claims to be based in The Bahamas and to operate under Central State University (CSU), Ohio, USA has no ongoing or legitimate affiliation with the Africa Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI).
The warning is contained in a statement issued by Muhammed K Saidy, President of AYLI-Gambia Alumni Chapter.
“Our attention has been drawn to disturbing reports that WCN is issuing Certificates via email to some students who were originally enrolled in a so-called “tuition-free Associate Degree Program” coordinated through AYLI.
“The AYLI Executive Council has clarified that this act violates the original Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between AYLI and WCN. The signed agreement clearly stipulated a two-year Associate Degree Program, not a short-term certificate course. Following multiple breaches of professionalism and ethics on WCN’s part, the partnership was officially terminated by AYLI.
“After an emergency consultation with AYLI’s Executive Council and Alumni representatives, the AYLI-Gambia Chapter strongly advises all Gambian alumni not to accept or acknowledge any certificates issued by WCN. Accepting such unauthorized documents could compromise your academic integrity and expose you to reputational risks.
“AYLI remains steadfast in its mission to build credible educational and leadership partnerships that truly empower young Africans through ethical learning, innovation and service.
“It is important to note that WCN had previously accused some students of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in their academic work. Instead of following the procedures outlined in the MOA or consulting AYLI as the legitimate partner, WCN abruptly terminated the partnership through an email signed by its president, Mr. Terron Dames, a move that violated the six-month notice clause stated in the agreement.
“Subsequent independent verification revealed that WCN is not registered or accredited in either The Bahamas or the United States and has no official affiliation with Central State University (CSU) as it had claimed. Its website has since been deactivated, further raising credibility concerns.
“Given these findings, AYLI considers WCN’s actions misleading, unethical, and damaging to the reputation of both the Institute and its alumni. It is contradictory that WCN now issues certificates to students it previously accused of misconduct an act that further questions its professionalism and intent.;
“In response, AYLI’s Executive Council has formally removed Mr. Teron Dames from its Board of Directors for misrepresenting the organization and engaging in actions inconsistent with AYLI’s core principles and reputation.
“The AYLI-Gambia Alumni Chapter therefore urges all Gambian alumni and students to disregard any communication, certificate, or claim coming from WCN or its representatives under the name of AYLI. The Institute continues to collaborate with relevant authorities in The Bahamas and the United States to pursue this matter legally and diplomatically.
“AYLI deeply regret any inconvenience caused and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to protecting the academic integrity of our members while fostering authentic and transparent partnerships across the continent”, the statement concludes..
