The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has ordered all schools in the state to charge tuition fees and related costs in South Sudanese pounds, effective from the 2027 academic year. This directive was issued by caretaker Education Minister Lupai Satimon Andrew on October 27, 2026, in Juba City. The move aims to address concerns over exorbitant school fees charged in foreign currencies.
Minister Lupai warned that institutions that violate the directive risk losing their operating licenses or facing closure. The order follows recent inspections that raised concerns over poor school management, inadequate learning environments, and insufficient daily lesson coverage. The minister emphasized that school fees and related costs must be charged in South Sudanese pounds, not in foreign currencies like the US dollar.
The directive is part of a broader effort to regulate the education sector in Central Equatoria State. Minister Lupai stated that school land in urban areas must measure 400 by 400 meters, and institutions unable to meet this requirement will not be allowed to operate in the state from 2027. Additionally, schools must provide a clean and conducive learning environment to accommodate all school activities.
The minister also directed schools to observe official working hours, with classes beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. There should be no admission or movement of pupils/students after 8:00 a.m. Minister Lupai emphasized the need for teachers to adhere to a workload of eight periods per day, with evidence of lesson plans and a scheme of work.
Furthermore, the minister instructed schools to establish Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and school management committees to ensure easy management, transparency, and accountability. Any school that fails to comply with this order will face punishment. The minister stressed that the school calendar must be followed strictly.
The Central Equatoria State Ministry of Education aims to improve the quality of education in the state by enforcing these regulations. The ministry will monitor schools to ensure compliance with the new directives. Schools that fail to meet the requirements will be held accountable.
In conclusion, the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Education has taken a significant step towards regulating the education sector. By enforcing these directives, the ministry hopes to create a more conducive learning environment for students and improve the overall quality of education in the state.
Key points
- Schools in Central Equatoria State must charge fees in South Sudanese pounds.
- Institutions that violate the directive risk losing their operating licenses or facing closure.
- Schools must meet minimum operational standards, including a 400 x 400 meter land requirement in urban areas.
