Education
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.
Prof. John Akech Apurut: A Future for South Sudanese Education
By Journalist Duor Ngong Kuot
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.
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.
The Academic Crisis at Dr. John Garang Memorial University
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Indefinite Postponement of the 2025 Academic Year
The academic dreams of thousands of students at Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology hang in the balance following the indefinite postponement of the 2025 academic year’s reopening. The university’s administration cited a severe shortage of food supplies as the primary reason, leaving students grappling with uncertainty about the possibility of reopening.
The Suspension Announcement
On April 15, Academic Registrar Dr. James Augustino Majak announced the suspension, attributing it to the failure of food contractors to deliver essential provisions. This disruption has halted critical academic processes, including registration for returning students, admission interviews for prospective students, and the start of lectures.
Concerns and Frustrations of Students
The delay has sparked widespread concern among the university community, with many questioning how long the closure will persist. The students’ frustration was poignantly captured by Majok Guet Kuol, a final-year student, whose heartfelt plea for the university to reopen struck a chord with many.
Proposed Solutions and Urgent Action Needed
Kuol proposed a bold solution, urging students to take collective responsibility by seeking support from their families and local communities to sustain themselves during the academic year. The indefinite delay has fueled anxiety among students, many of whom fear that a prolonged closure could jeopardize their academic progress and future career prospects.
Calls for Systemic Reforms
Education stakeholders have also raised alarms about the broader implications of the suspension. Prolonged disruptions risk undermining the quality of education, eroding student morale, and hindering the university’s role in fostering skilled professionals for South Sudan’s growth. The crisis has drawn attention to the need for systemic reforms to strengthen the nation’s higher education infrastructure.
Awaiting Clarity on Resuming Studies
As the government and other stakeholders deliberate on solutions, the students of Dr. John Garang Memorial University remain in limbo, their academic journeys paused by circumstances beyond their control. The resolution of this crisis will not only determine the immediate future of these students but also signal South Sudan’s commitment to prioritizing education as a cornerstone of national progress.
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