The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction on Tuesday ordered all schools to charge tuition fees and related costs in South Sudanese pounds instead of foreign currencies.
The directive, issued on Tuesday by caretaker Education Minister Lupai Satimon Andrew, warned that institutions that violate the directive could lose their operating licenses or face closure.
The order follows recent inspections that raised concerns over exorbitant school fees charged in US dollars, poor school management, inadequate learning environments, and insufficient daily lesson coverage.
“All schools operating in Central Equatoria State (CES) are hereby directed to charge school fees and any related costs in South Sudanese pounds as opposed to foreign currency, including United States Dollars (USD), in the academic year 2027,” Lupai told journalists during a press conference on Tuesday. “Failure to adhere to this order is tantamount to withdrawal of operational license, including possible suspension/closure.”
The minister said the order was prompted by concerns over excessive school fees, particularly those charged in foreign currencies, poor school management, inadequate learning environments and insufficient coverage of lessons.
He also stated that school land in urban areas must measure 400 by 400 meters and warned that institutions unable to meet the requirements will not be allowed to operate in the state from 2027.
“All private school facilities must meet minimum operational standards as indicated in the general education policy of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), in which school land in the town must measure 400 x 400 meters, including a clean and conducive learning environment to accommodate all school activities,” he stated. “Therefore, any school that cannot conform to the required standard shall not be allowed to operate in Central Equatoria State come 2027.”
Minister Lupai further directed schools to observe official working hours, with classes beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. He said there should be no admission or movement of pupils/students after 8:00 a.m. “Teacher’s workload and learning coverage; it has been noted that the majority of the schools operate below standards. The general timetable and coverage do not agree as per the fact that schools open late and close early by 12:00 noon,” he said. “Hence, this order is directed to all head teachers, teachers, Inspectors and supervisors to see to it that teachers’ workload of eight periods per day is put to use. Evidence is the scheme of work and copies of lesson plans. The school calendar must be followed strictly.”
“All the schools are directed to establish PTAs and school management committees in their respective institutions for easy management, transparency and accountability. Any school that fails to comply with this order shall be punished accordingly,” Minister Lupai concluded.
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