By Aguok Chok

The newly appointed Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Madut Biar Yel, has vowed to address the salary crisis affecting the university staff.

In his first remark during the reception, Madut acknowledged the gravity of the delayed payments and vowed to champion regular salary disbursements across institutions of higher learning.

“We shall advocate for regular salaries,” he said, while pointing to broader economic disruptions, including the war in Sudan, which has hindered South Sudan’s oil flow.

The country relies entirely on the oil proceeds.

However, Madut highlighted the urgent need to diversify national revenue sources to protect essential sectors like education. Despite the financial hurdles, the new minister projected confidence and resolve, “We shall work together as a team.”

He extended his gratitude to President Salva Kiir for the trust bestowed upon him and paid tribute to his predecessor, Gabriel Changson Chang, for his dedication to higher education reform.

“I am not new to higher education matters,” Madut emphasized, citing his prior experience in national policymaking through the Council of Ministers and Parliament.

The minister also stressed the importance of aligning general and higher education, arguing that strengthening both systems is key to national development.

“We cannot make higher education a success if general education is weak,” he stated.  

According to Madut, his vision includes promoting technical and vocational training to equip young people with skills for the modern workforce.

“We must train our youth technically,” he said, positioning skills development as a national priority.

The urgency of addressing unpaid salaries was echoed by Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, the Minister of General Education and Instruction, who was also speaking at the same event.

 In a frank and passionate speech, Dr. Kuyok challenged the new minister to tackle the outstanding wages owed to university staff, reportedly over 13 months of arrears.

“If he manages to get the salary, the 13 months that you are claiming, I think that would be a very, very big achievement,” he said to applause and murmurs of agreement from the audience.

While hopeful, Dr. Kuyok urged patience, recalling his own experience as a university lecturer during hard times.

“The guy who is sitting behind this desk is not Prophet Ambroz, he is Professor Ambroz… let us prioritise,” he said, reminding those gathered that change often takes time.

He emphasized inter-ministerial collaboration, declaring, “We are one ministry… we need to work together.”

The ceremony was not only a symbolic welcoming but also a platform for renewed unity and ambition in education leadership. With both ministers calling for teamwork, reform, and financial solutions, expectations are high.

“He is a very experienced Minister, and I believe you can work with him,” Dr. Kuyok stated.