Education

No Teaching In Schools

Published

3 weeks ago

April 15, 2025

Schools in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Remain Closed

As schools across the country open today, thousands of students in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (NBGs) will miss classes due to a dispute between teachers and the government over unpaid salaries. The national ministry of general education and instruction had announced that the education calendar would commence on February 5th, 2024, and end on May 10th, 2024.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Background of the Dispute

The issue began when teachers in NBGs discovered that their salaries for the month of July had been deducted by SSP 214 million. The teachers’ representative, Luka Lual, explained that they had raised a complaint against the payment committee led by James Liai, which was formed by the national government. However, the committee’s actions led to a conflict between the teachers and the police commissioner.

Demands of the Teachers

The teachers are demanding the release of the deducted amount, which they claim is their rightful pay. They met with the minister of general education, Awut Deng, last Friday but failed to reach an amicable solution. As a result, the teachers have decided to keep the school gates locked until their issue is resolved. "The teachers said the schools will not be open unless their issue is solved, and if that thing is not solved, the school will not be open, and they are not ready to teach," Lual noted.

Evidence of Unpaid Salaries

Another teacher, Lino, alleged that there is concrete evidence that the national government had released the money, but it was not given to them. Instead, they were only paid SSP 5,000 each, which some of them rejected. "NBGs teachers have heard that the portion of cut salaries has been released by the national government, but it was not given to us; only five thousand per each is the one release, and the big balance remains," he alleged.

Previous Attempts to Resolve the Issue

Last month, teachers in Aweil accused the state ministry of education and salary committee of cutting their wages. They submitted a petition to the Attorney General, who gave a 3-day grace period for the education docket and committee to cooperate and pay tutors their rights. However, the director general at the ministry of education in Aweil, Mr. Santino Bol Akol, claimed that the teachers’ balance was already paid out.

Contradicting Claims

However, teachers in Aweil disputed the report that they were fully paid their slashed salaries, saying only SSP 5,000 was paid to each tutor, respectively. The teachers are determined to fight for their rights and have made it clear that all schools will remain closed until their problem is solved.

Conclusion

The dispute between teachers and the government in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State has resulted in the closure of schools, affecting thousands of students. The teachers are demanding the release of their unpaid salaries, which they claim is their rightful pay. The government must take immediate action to resolve the issue and ensure that schools reopen as soon as possible. The education of the students should not be compromised due to the dispute, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that teachers are paid their dues and schools function smoothly.

Education

Prof. John Apurut: The Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of South Sudanese Education

Published

19 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Duor Ngnog Kuot

Prof. John Apurut: The Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of South Sudanese Education

Prof. John Akech Apurut: A Future for South Sudanese Education
By Journalist Duor Ngong Kuot

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

The Legacy of Prof. John Apurut: A Champion of Education and Nation-Building

Prof. John Apurut stands out as one of South Sudan’s most distinguished educationists and visionary leaders. His tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba left an indelible mark on the institution and the nation at large. His legacy is not only embedded in the physical infrastructure and academic reforms he championed, but also in the countless minds he helped shape and the systems he built to sustain academic excellence in the face of immense challenges.

At a time when South Sudan was navigating complex political and social transitions, Prof. Apurut provided stable and forward-thinking leadership to one of the country’s most critical institutions of higher learning. He introduced reforms that strengthened administrative efficiency, elevated academic standards, and enhanced institutional credibility. Under his stewardship, the University of Juba became a hub of intellectual engagement, research, and innovation, producing graduates who now serve in various sectors of national development.

Beyond Administration: A Champion of Educational Values

Prof. Apurut’s contribution to education goes beyond administrative leadership. He championed inclusive education policies, encouraged merit-based academic progression, and promoted dialogue among scholars and policymakers on how education can serve as a tool for peacebuilding and development. His commitment to empowering South Sudanese youth through quality education has inspired many within and outside the academic community.

Moreover, his impact is also seen in the broader framework of nation-building. He used education as a bridge for unity, progress, and national identity. His belief in institutional integrity and accountability set a standard for public service and leadership in South Sudan. Prof. Apurut understood that education is the foundation upon which a peaceful, prosperous, and self-reliant South Sudan must be built.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, many South Sudanese still speak highly of his leadership, discipline, and transformative ideas. He is remembered as a leader who not only managed an institution but built a legacy—one that continues to guide current and future leaders in education and beyond.

Prof. John Apurut is more than an academic administrator—he is a nation-builder, a reformer, and a symbol of excellence in public service. As South Sudan seeks to revitalize its institutions and rise to meet the challenges of the 21st century, leaders like Prof. Apurut must be brought back into the national fold. His wealth of experience, unwavering integrity, and passion for education are exactly what the country needs to transform its vision into reality. His legacy is not just worth remembering—it is worth building upon.

Education

Rumbek university staff call for Kiir to dismiss ‘ineffective’ administrators

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2025

Peter James

Rumbek university staff call for Kiir to dismiss ‘ineffective’ administrators

Rumbek University Staff Call for Dismissal of Administrators

Allegations of Administrative Incompetence and Misconduct

Academic staff at Rumbek University of Science and Technology have raised concerns over the university’s current administrators, urging President Salva Kiir to take action and dismiss those deemed incompetent. In an open letter dated May 4, 2025, Khot Manyuon Thuc, Acting Chairperson of the Rumbek University Academic Staff Association, specifically called out Prof. Shirak Khamis Abuanja, the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, who was appointed in March 2024.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Concerns Raised by Staff

The staff expressed deep concerns about the stability and progress of the university.
They alleged a pattern of power abuse and administrative disarray within the institution.
Accusations of the Deputy Vice Chancellor managing university affairs as if it were personal property were made.
Staff claimed that the Vice Chancellor failed to address the misconduct of his deputy, leading to division and instability.

The petition highlighted various grievances, including mismanagement of university affairs, non-procedural appointments and promotions, withheld entitlements, and harassment of academic staff in the Vice Chancellor’s presence without repercussions. The staff also reported derogatory remarks made by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, which they deemed disrespectful.

Response from Prof. Shirak

In a recent interview, Prof. Shirak denied the allegations and stated that she is working diligently to manage the institution. She explained that the delay in salary payments was due to a cash shortage at Ivory Bank, with salaries being released this week. Prof. Shirak criticized the staff’s behavior, noting that some had opened accounts with commercial banks to protest the delay, against university guidance.

She also pointed out that staff had been on strike from October 2024 to March 10, 2025, questioning the validity of their protests over salaries and administrative failures.

Call for Urgent Intervention

The academic staff at Rumbek University have appealed to President Salva Kiir, who serves as the Chancellor of public universities, to intervene urgently. They have requested the appointment of experienced administrators to lead the institution in alignment with its vision and mission.

As the situation unfolds, the future of Rumbek University of Science and Technology hangs in the balance. Will President Kiir heed the staff’s call for action and bring stability back to the institution? Only time will tell.

Education

NBGs Education Ministry Hires 60 Teachers

Published

1 week ago

May 2, 2025

Peter James

NBGs Education Ministry Hires 60 Teachers

The Ministry of Education in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Announces Recruitment of 60 Teachers

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

The ministry of Education in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has announced the recruitment of 60 qualified teachers to improve learning. These new teachers will be assigned to schools that have been transformed into modern learning institutions, including Aweil National, Salam Girls, Santo Ayang, Malek Alel, Gok Machar, Nyamlell, and Aweil Madina Secondary schools.

Director General Santino Bol Akot stated that each teacher will receive a monthly salary of 60,000 South Sudanese pounds in addition to their regular pay. The academic year registration will begin on 21st March 2022, with lessons commencing on 4th April 2022.

Furthermore, the ministry has directed private schools to renew their annual operation licenses before 4th April 2022, with a fee of 100,000 pounds per school.

Feedback from the community has been positive, with Madam Mary Abuk Garang of the Parent’s Teachers Association in Aweil East County commending the ministry for the improvements but also urging them to enhance school structures in remote areas. She emphasized the need for improved learning facilities to create a conducive environment for students and teachers.

Mr. Mark Dut Deng, a teacher in one of the state schools, highlighted the importance of hygiene in schools. He stressed the significance of clean facilities, such as latrines and learning environments, in motivating students and creating a comfortable atmosphere for learning.

Overall, the efforts of the Ministry of Education in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to enhance education through teacher recruitment and facility improvements are commendable steps towards providing quality education for students in the region.