By Philip Buda Ladu
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has assured that his government is ready to address the pressing issues facing public universities in the country.
Public universities have been grappling with; accrued salary arrears for lecturers, varsity staff and running costs prompting sit-down strikes that disrupted smooth learning, a nightmare for students.
In an attempt to address the persistent complaints, the head of state, who is the chancellor of all public universities met with Vice Chancellors of public universities on Monday.
The meeting centred on pressing challenges facing higher learning institutions, particularly in the areas of financing and human resource allocation.
Held at the State House, the meeting provided a platform for university leaders to present their concerns and seek solutions to the mounting difficulties that public institutions are currently grappling with.
“During the meeting, President Kiir expressed a strong commitment to addressing the financial shortfalls and other challenges that hinder the growth and development of public universities,” a statement from the Office of the President stated.
The Head of State also assured the Vice Chancellors that his administration recognizes the importance of these institutions in shaping the future of the nation.
Kiir further emphasized that the gov’t is working on a comprehensive strategy to support them in the face of economic pressures.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, Professor Robert Mayom on behalf of his colleagues lauded the President in anticipation of his willingness to address the challenges facing higher learning institutions in the country.
He noted that this approach would pave the way for much-needed reforms in the country’s education sector.
The Government has repeatedly echoed its steadfast dedication to bolstering educational support for all public universities, ensuring sustainable support for the nation’s educational endeavours, but meaningful action is yet to be realized.