South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The newly appointed Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Madut Biar Yel, has pledged to enhance both the quality of education and the working conditions for university staff.
“We are going to work together to improve our universities. We cannot and will not make progress without ensuring quality education and effectively integrating general education,” Yel said at his welcoming reception yesterday.
Yel revealed that numerous resolutions previously passed by the Council of Ministers are not being implemented due to the country’s economic situation.
He added that he will start from where his predecessor left off.
Kuyok Abol Kuyok, the Minister of General Education and Instruction, said that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology needs to focus on improving the quality of education and the working conditions of university lecturers.
Kuyok mentioned that they previously collaborated closely with the Ministry of Higher Education to address salary issues, and they had successfully increased the salaries of professors, lecturers, and staff in higher education and universities.
“I believe if there is one problem we would ask our Minister to solve, it is the issue of salaries for our professors and lecturers. This has been a persistent issue for a long time. So let’s prioritize it,” said Kuyok.
“Universities, as you have heard, are autonomous. They have autonomy. The staff of the ministry and the universities must cooperate with our new Minister to resolve these issues together,” he added.
On May 8, 2025, President Salva Kiir Mayardit relieved Madut Biar Yel of his transport duties and appointed him as the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, replacing Gabriel Changson Chang.
