Rumbek University of Science and Technology Suspends Academic Staff Association Amid Leadership Crisis

Accusations of Poor Management Lead to Suspension

The administration of Rumbek University of Science and Technology (RUST) has taken a drastic step by suspending the Academic Staff Association following a tumultuous period of internal strife. The decision comes in response to the lecturers’ call for the removal of the university’s top leadership, accusing them of poor management and incompetence.

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Prof. Joshua Otor Akol, the Vice Chancellor of RUST, announced the suspension, stating, “Due to recent instability and internal disunity, we are suspending the staff association’s activities in the best interest of the university’s progress and harmony. This measure will remain in effect until further notice.”

Lecturers Demand Removal of University Leadership

The suspension comes shortly after the RUST Academic Staff Association penned an open letter to President Salva Kiir, urging the immediate removal of Vice Chancellor Prof. Joshua Otor Akol and his deputies, Prof. Isharaka Khamis Abuanja and Prof. Pauline Elaine Riak. The lecturers cited a range of issues, including incompetence, poor leadership, and the failure to address critical concerns such as the non-payment of March 2025 salaries.

The association expressed concerns over the ineffective leadership of the current administration, which they believe is hindering the progress of the university.

Mr. Gor Mathiang Kau, the Acting Secretary General of the Academic Staff Association, voiced the frustrations of the staff, stating, “There’s widespread discrimination, abuse of office, and a clear lack of strategic leadership. This affects not just the staff, but the entire community we serve.”

Allegations of Mismanagement and Division

Mathiang accused the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance of being divisive and promoting harassment within the university. He also criticized Prof. Otor for failing to address these issues decisively, leading to disunity and instability within the institution.

In their letter to President Salva Kiir, the academic staff appealed for urgent intervention to address the looming crisis at RUST. They called for the appointment of experienced administrators and competent leadership to steer the university back on course.

Controversy Surrounding the Suspension

While the university leadership defends the decision to suspend the Academic Staff Association as necessary for restoring order and ensuring the smooth functioning of academic and administrative activities, some observers fear that silencing the staff association may exacerbate tensions within the university.

Despite the controversy, Prof. Otor reaffirmed the commitment of the university to growth and excellence, emphasizing the importance of unity and respect as the foundation for progress.

• Recent suspension of RUST Academic Staff Association sparks debate
• Lecturers demand removal of top leadership over poor management
• Allegations of discrimination, abuse of office, and lack of strategic leadership

As the situation at Rumbek University of Science and Technology continues to unfold, the future of the institution hangs in the balance, with the resolution of the leadership crisis crucial to its stability and progress.