The Jonglei State Government has cancelled the establishment of 44 newly created secondary schools, citing a lack of legal approval, funding, and basic educational facilities.
The decision was announced by the State Minister of General Education and Instruction, Samuel Ador Thon, who said an assessment found that the schools did not meet the requirements for establishment and operation.
According to Minister Ador, the schools were created in May 2025 without approval from the Jonglei State Council of Ministers or the national Ministry of General Education and Instruction.
“There was no approval from the Council of Ministers,” Ador said.
He explained that the schools were also established without a budget to support their operations and long-term sustainability.
The minister said the schools lacked essential infrastructure and resources, including classrooms, administrative offices, libraries, and qualified teachers, making it difficult for them to provide quality secondary education.
Ador further said the establishment of secondary schools requires prior approval from the national Ministry of General Education and Instruction in accordance with South Sudan’s education laws and policies.
“No prior approval was obtained from the national ministry, which is required under the education laws and policies,” he said.
The minister said the cancellation was intended to ensure that the state’s education system remains within the required legal and administrative framework while resources are directed toward improving existing schools.
He said the state government would instead prioritise strengthening schools that are already operational by addressing gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and other essential learning requirements.
“We will focus on improving the existing schools and ensure that any future secondary schools are adequately funded and meet the required standards before they are established,” Ador added.
The decision comes amid ongoing challenges facing South Sudan’s education sector, including shortages of classrooms, qualified teachers, learning materials, and funding.
The establishment of new schools is intended to expand access to education, particularly in communities where learners face long distances to reach existing institutions. However, education authorities say new schools must meet legal, administrative, and educational requirements before they begin operating.
The Jonglei State Government says establishing schools without adequate infrastructure, teachers, and funding risks compromising the quality of education and placing additional pressure on already limited public resources.
The cancellation of the 44 schools means the state will now concentrate on strengthening existing secondary schools while ensuring that any future expansion follows the required approval procedures and is supported by adequate resources.