The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has issued Ministerial Order No. 04/2026, introducing new guidelines for the operation of primary and secondary schools across the state, including a directive requiring all school fees to be paid in South Sudanese Pounds beginning in the 2027 academic year.
The order, issued on October 27, 2026, by Caretaker Minister of General Education and Instruction, Lupai Satiman Andrew, follows inspections of 310 primary and secondary schools conducted across the state over the past few weeks.
Speaking during a press briefing attended by education directors, inspectors, and media representatives, Minister Lupai said the inspections identified several challenges affecting the education sector.
These included excessive school fees charged in foreign currencies, poor school management, inadequate learning environments, irregular school operating hours, and insufficient lesson coverage.
The minister said the findings had prompted the ministry to introduce new measures aimed at improving school management, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that learners receive adequate instructional time.
Under Ministerial Order No. 04/2026, all schools operating in Central Equatoria State are directed to charge school fees and other related costs in South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) rather than foreign currencies, including the United States Dollar.
The directive will take effect in the 2027 academic year and is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to regulate school operations and address concerns over the collection of fees in foreign currencies.
The ministry is expected to use the new guidelines to strengthen oversight of schools and improve compliance with education standards across Central Equatoria State.