The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has introduced new guidelines for the operation of primary and secondary schools across the state. Ministerial Order No. 04/2026, issued on October 27, 2026, by Caretaker Minister Lupai Satiman Andrew, aims to address various challenges affecting the education sector. The order follows recent inspections of 310 primary and secondary schools conducted across the state.
The inspections identified several issues, including excessive school fees charged in foreign currencies, poor school management, inadequate learning environments, irregular school operating hours, and insufficient lesson coverage. These findings prompted the ministry to introduce new measures aimed at improving school management, strengthening accountability, and ensuring learners receive adequate instructional time.
One of the key directives in the new guidelines is that all schools operating in Central Equatoria State must charge school fees and other related costs in South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), rather than foreign currencies like the United States Dollar. This directive will take effect in the 2027 academic year and is part of the ministry’s efforts to regulate school operations and address concerns over the collection of fees in foreign currencies.
The new guidelines are expected to strengthen oversight of schools and improve compliance with education standards across Central Equatoria State. The ministry will use these guidelines to monitor schools and ensure they adhere to the new regulations. This move is aimed at enhancing the quality of education and promoting a more transparent and accountable education system.
Minister Lupai emphasized the importance of the new guidelines during a press briefing attended by education directors, inspectors, and media representatives. The briefing provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the education sector and the measures being taken to address them.
The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction is committed to improving the education sector and ensuring that learners receive a high-quality education. The new guidelines are a significant step towards achieving this goal and promoting a more equitable and accessible education system.
The implementation of the new guidelines is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Central Equatoria State. By regulating school fees and improving school management, the ministry aims to create a more conducive learning environment for students and promote academic excellence.
Key points
- The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has introduced new guidelines for primary and secondary schools, requiring fees to be paid in South Sudanese Pounds.
- The new guidelines aim to address challenges such as excessive school fees, poor school management, and inadequate learning environments.
- The directives will take effect in the 2027 academic year and are part of the ministry’s efforts to regulate school operations and promote a more transparent and accountable education system.
