By Jacob Onuha Nelson
Academic staff at Rumbek University of Science and Technology are appealing the President Salva Kiir to remove the university’s top administrators.
In a phone interview with No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, the Acting Chairman of the University Academic Staff Committee, Lecturer Akhot Manyuon Akhot, claimed that there is a need for urgent intervention to revive the institution from what they describe as a state of “collapse.”
He cited issues of administrative incompetence and a lack of consistent presence from key administrators, who are reportedly spending excessive time away from the university in Juba.
Other critical concerns highlighted include the delayed payment of staff salaries, specifically mentioning the overdue March 2025 wages.
Staff are also reportedly facing denial or withdrawal of accommodation within the university premises.
Furthermore, Akhot stated that the staff are experiencing discrimination, harassment, and disrespectful remarks from the current administration, which they believe is negatively impacting the academic environment and the welfare of those working at the university.
The academic staff maintain that these accumulated issues have led to the current challenging situation at the university, necessitating immediate action from higher authorities.
When contacted for comment regarding the academic staff’s demands, the Vice Chancellor of Rumbek University of Science and Technology, Professor Joshua Otor Akol, declined to speak on the matter, stating briefly, “I can’t talk about it, I don’t want.”
The academic staff hope that the intervention of the Chancellors and the President will address the leadership crisis and pave the way for the necessary changes to prevent further deterioration of the university’s state.