Education Ministry Signals Stricter Oversight in Yambio
Authorities in Western Equatoria State have warned private school operators to comply with education ministry guidelines on tuition and operations or face possible regulatory action, officials said on Tuesday.
The message was delivered at an education forum held at the headquarters of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction in Yambio, chaired by Gibson Bullen Wande, the state minister of general education and instruction.
Inspections Target Fee Hikes and Dollar Charges
Gibson Bullen Wande said the ministry would intensify inspections of private schools to address irregularities, including unapproved fee increases and charging tuition in foreign currency.
“Some schools have excessively increased fees, and a few are charging in United States dollars, placing a heavy burden on parents,” Wande said. “This practice will no longer be tolerated. All fees must be collected in South Sudanese pounds.”
Curriculum Compliance and National Languages Emphasised
Wande also argued that private schools should not prioritise profit over education and must comply with curriculum requirements, including the use of national languages.
Officials framed the guidance as part of broader efforts to align private institutions with national education standards while safeguarding families from unexpected cost pressures.
School Owners Cite Affordability and Operating Pressures
School proprietors attending the forum raised concerns about affordability and operating costs. Joseph Ndani Gbizaramba, director of Merryland Kindergarten, called for flexible payment arrangements to prevent pupils from being sent home over unpaid fees.
Gbizaramba said such interruptions undermine learning, highlighting the tension between school cash flow needs and keeping pupils consistently in class.
Private Schools Point to Taxes as a Cost Driver
Louis Fabiano, director of Bright Star School, said high tuition fees were partly driven by multiple taxes imposed on private schools, which he said increased operating costs.
His comments reflected a recurring concern among operators that regulatory and tax burdens can translate into higher fees, particularly for families already facing tight budgets.
Authorities Warn of Enforcement to Protect Parents and Learners
The meeting ended with officials urging school owners to work closely with the ministry, while cautioning that institutions found in violation of regulations could face enforcement measures.
Officials presented the approach as aimed at protecting learners and parents, and at promoting a more predictable and transparent tuition environment across private schools.