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.

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.

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

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.