By Bosco Bush
Ministry of General Education has reported that government schools and educational institutions across the country may face the risk of closure due to the long-standing delay in paying teachers’ salaries.
During a regular Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, July 12, 2024, the Minister of Education, Awut Deng, brought to the government’s attention the pressing issue of salary arrears owed to teachers in public schools, warning that if the situation is not resolved, it could lead to the shutdown of the institutions.
According to Jacob Maiju Korok, the Deputy Minister of Information, Minister Awut expressed her concerns about the teacher’s salary crisis during the council meeting.
“Minister of Education Hon. Awut Deng raised concerns regarding the salaries of teachers. And, schools may actually shut down because of the salaries,” Korok stated.
In addition to the salary issue, the Education Ministry also highlighted the lack of funds for processing the results of the Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations for the academic year 2023.
“She also raised the issue of fund for the results of the last examinations,” Korok revealed.
In response to the concerns, the newly appointed Minister of Finance has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to find a way to settle the outstanding teacher salaries.
“The new Minister of Finance took it upon himself that he will find a way of getting teachers’ salaries. Because it’s an obligation, otherwise our kids may not actually go to school,” Korok disclosed.
The salary crisis has affected not only teachers but also other civil servants and organized forces, who have gone unpaid for at least 8 months.
Following the suspension of the outdated 2023/2024 budget, the Ministry of Finance presented a draft proposal for the 2024/2025 Fiscal Year budget worth SSP 2.45 Trillion to the Council of Ministers for deliberation.
However, the Council advised the ministry to return the proposal and incorporate priority provisions to address the pressing issues, including the teachers’ salary arrears.