Central Equatoria orders school inspections, warns of closure over poor standards

The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has directed Juba City Council and Wonduruba Administrative Area to inspect schools and recommend the closure of those operating below minimum requirements.

The order follows concerns over poor learning conditions and alleged illegal agreements between public schools and private institutions that are disrupting learning.

Caretaker Minister of General Education and Instruction Lupai Satimon Andrew told journalists on Tuesday that the inspections will run from November 1 to November 30, 2026.

He said the inspection teams would assess schools in their respective areas and submit reports recommending appropriate action, including closure where necessary.

“Wonduruba administrative area and the Juba city council are directed to inspect and assess the status of schools in their respective areas effective November 1st to November 30th, 2026. Render their reports and they recommend possible actions including closure for those operating below the minimum requirements,” Lupai said.

The minister also said some public schools had entered into illegal agreements with private institutions, forcing learners to leave school early to allow private schools to use the premises.

“Number seven, it has come to our attention during my surprise school visits that some public schools have entered into illegal agreements, stroke memorandum, with some private institutions. Their action has direct impact on learners as they made to lose or go home prematurely by 12 noon in order to allow the other schools to take over the premises. Therefore, all the illegal contracts entered to will be terminated by 31st of December 2026,” he asserted.

Lupai further directed all schools to observe official working hours, with classes starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m.

“All the schools are directed to strictly observe the official working hours. The classes start at 8 a.m. and end at 4. No admission or movement of pupils, students after 8 a.m. It has been noted that majority of the schools operates below standards,” he added.

Lupai said the directives followed concerns raised during his unannounced school visits, where he found that some public institutions had entered into agreements with private schools to share premises.

He said the arrangements were affecting learning, with pupils and students at some public schools reportedly sent home by noon to allow private institutions to use the facilities.

The minister ordered that all such agreements be terminated by December 31, 2026, and urged head teachers, inspectors and supervisors to ensure schools comply with the directives.