Awut who faced accusations of favoritism for selecting Rumbek University, clarified that the choice was not personal

 By Aguok Chok

The Minister of General Education and Instruction, Awut Mayom Agok has dismissed the claims of nepotism in the selection of the examiners screening teachers in Warrap State.

Awut, who faced accusations of favoritism for selecting Rumbek University, her home University, to administer the exams, clarified that the choice was not personal.

“I did not personally choose Rumbek University because it is my home university, but it was chosen by the National Ministry of General Education and Instruction,” she explained.

Awut emphasized that the exams were not about targeting teachers but aimed at assessing their educational competencies. “The nature of these exams is purely to assess the level of education and capability each teacher possesses in their respective responsibilities,” she explained, likening the exams to a diagnostic tool used by doctors to assess a patient’s condition before providing treatment.

The minister added that teachers who are identified as needing further training would be offered professional development opportunities.

Despite her clarification, the ongoing issue of unpaid salaries remained a central concern. Teachers in Gogrial West County, many of whom have not received pay for up to 14 months, have refused to sit for the exams.

“We can’t continue like this,” one teacher said, highlighting the frustration felt by many educators. The teachers’ boycott has exposed a larger systemic issue in the education sector, as full-time teachers have opted out of the screening process, leaving only part-time staff to take part.

Local authorities have urged the government to prioritize settling the overdue salaries, but without a concrete solution in sight, teachers remain steadfast in their decision to continue the boycott. “This isn’t just about us,” another teacher stated.

“If the government doesn’t fix this, the real victims will be the children who will be left behind.”

Awut also responded to criticisms about unqualified individuals holding leadership roles in schools, explaining that many of these appointments were made during the era of defunct states, where unclassified staff were promoted without proper training.

“During the era of the defunct states, every county promoted unclassified staff to the grades for headteachers,” she said.

“I did not personally choose Rumbek University because it is my home university, but it was chosen by the National Ministry of General Education and Instruction,” Minister of General Education and Instruction, Awut Mayom Agok.