Rumbek University of science and Technology has suspended activities and leaders of Academic Staff Association.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Joshua Otor Akol, issued the suspension order on Friday.
“On behalf of the University Administration and on my own behalf, I do hereby issue this administrative order for suspending activities of Rumbek University of science and technology (RUST) Academic Staff Association with immediate effect of this order until further notice,” the suspension order reads in part.
Acting chairman of Academic Staff Association, Mr. Khot Manyuon and Mr. Emmanuel Rundial Wichgong, were suspended.
Referring to a verbal discussion, the Vice Chancellor order to withhold salary for the suspended official, citing none compliance.
“I ordered you in my office to avail the list of staff members who attended the general meeting NO: 2/2025 and the laws of the Association, but without feedback, I do hereby declare that your salary is suspended with effect from order 5/42025 until further notice,” the Vice Chancellor unleashed.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the decision to suspend the Academic Staff Association and its leadership emanated from a report of investigation on damages of the institution’s property.
“Reference to the above subject, based on the recommendations from investigation committee dated 8th April 2025, and in accordance with directives from D/VC. For Administration and Finance 24/4/2025, his salary is hereby suspended as per the following allegations of cutting iron bar of the university flag, breaking the door of the room NO: 109,” he explained.
Besides salary hold up, Professor Otor also directed that the official leaves the University facility of residence immediately from the effect of the suspension.
“Whoever, he must also leave the University apartment immediately upon the receipt of this reception,” the Vice Chancellor ordered.
The financial controller is asked to take immediate action.
In an interview with No 1 Citizen Newspaper on phone, the acting chairman of Academic Staff Association of Rumbek University of science and technology, Mr. Khot Manyuon Thuc confirmed the suspension of his salary and that of Mr. Emmanuel Rundial Wichgong.
“It is true the Vice Chancellor Prof. Joshua Otor Akol, has suspended the Academic Staff Associations in a letter written here,” Khot said.
Khot offered to read the full letter to No.1 Citizen Newspaper on phone for confirmation.
“There are two letters, one letter is suspension of salaries and the other letter is suspension of the Acting Chairman Rumbek University of science and technology academic staff association (RUSTASA),” he explained.
The dismissal of staffs come due to a call, in a protest, early last week, for removal of top administrators of the University, over alleged mismanagement of staff and funds, abuse of power and leadership.