The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has suspended two schools in Juba over alleged violations of education standards, poor sanitation, and unjustified exclusion of learners from classes. The suspended schools are Juba Integrated High School, Kadoro Branch, and Gumbo Christian Nursery, Primary and Secondary School. According to the ministry, the schools will remain closed until further notice. This move follows a series of inspections that identified non-compliance with applicable education laws, regulations, standards, and directives.
Caretaker Minister of General Education and Instruction, Lupai Satimon Andrew, revealed that Juba Integrated High School was suspended for failing to meet the minimum operating requirements for private schools and preventing learners from attending classes without lawful justification. An incident involving a Senior Four student who was sent home over a requirement to provide a ream of paper prompted the minister's visit to the school in Rajaf Payam. The student was subsequently told to pay cash instead of providing the ream of paper.
The minister stated that the incident raised concerns about how the school was enforcing its requirements and prompted an unannounced inspection of other schools in the area. During the inspection, ministry officials found that Gumbo Christian Nursery, Primary and Secondary School had poor waste management, inadequate sanitation facilities, and allegedly used classrooms for purposes other than teaching and learning. These conditions were described as contrary to the ministry's education standards.
According to the suspension order, Gumbo Christian Nursery, Primary and Secondary School was cited for poor waste management and inadequate sanitation facilities. Additionally, a classroom in Rajaf East measuring approximately 2.5 meters by two meters was found to be accommodating 25 pupils. The minister described these conditions as unacceptable and contrary to the ministry's education standards.
The suspensions followed inspections that identified non-compliance with applicable education laws, regulations, standards, and directives. The minister stated that the suspended institutions would not be allowed to resume operations until the ministry verifies their compliance with the required standards and issues written authorization for reopening. This move aims to ensure that schools in the state meet the necessary standards to provide quality education.
Lupai urged parents to take an active role in their children's education by ensuring they attend schools that meet the required standards. He emphasized the importance of providing a safe and conducive learning environment for students. The ministry has not announced when the two schools may reopen, but it is clear that they must address the identified issues before resuming operations.
The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction will continue to inspect schools in the area to ensure compliance with education standards. The ministry's efforts aim to improve the quality of education in the state and protect the rights of students. Parents and students are eagerly awaiting the resolution of the situation and the reopening of the suspended schools.
Key points
- The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction suspended two schools in Juba over alleged violations of education standards.
- The suspended schools, Juba Integrated High School and Gumbo Christian Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, will remain closed until further notice.
- The ministry aims to ensure that schools in the state meet the necessary standards to provide quality education.
