By Matik Kueth
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has pledged to allocate both financial and human resources to address the financial challenges facing the nation’s public universities. On Monday, Kiir reaffirmed this commitment during a meeting with the Vice Chancellors of South Sudan’s leading public universities to discuss the urgent issues confronting higher education, particularly funding and staffing needs.
He promised to resolve these shortfalls and other obstacles hindering the growth and development of South Sudan’s educational system. Kiir assured the Vice Chancellors that his administration recognizes the pivotal role these institutions play in shaping the country’s future and is formulating a comprehensive plan to support them in overcoming economic challenges.
H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan
Professor Robert Mayom, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, commended President Kiir for his commitment to addressing the challenges facing higher education institutions in South Sudan. He expressed hope that this initiative would pave the way for much-needed reforms within the country’s educational system.
On November 4, 2024, Vice President for the Service Cluster, Hussein Abdel-Bagi, briefed President Kiir on the key issues affecting the nation’s service sectors, particularly in health and education.
Following a two-week strike by lecturers at several public universities, including Bahr El Ghazal and Rumbek, over 11 months of unpaid salaries, President Kiir met with the university vice chancellors to address these concerns, acting upon Abdel-Bagi’s briefing.
The government remains dedicated to strengthening support for all public universities, ensuring sustained backing for educational initiatives across the country.