The university’s administration cited a severe shortage of food supplies as the primary reason, leaving students grappling with uncertainty about the possibility of reopening.
On April 15, Academic Registrar Dr. James Augustino Majak announced the suspension, attributing it to the failure of food contractors to deliver essential provisions.
This disruption has halted critical academic processes, including registration for returning students, admission interviews for prospective students, and the start of lectures.
The delay has sparked widespread concern among the university community, with many questioning how long the closure will persist.
This crisis reflects broader, systemic challenges within South Sudan’s higher education sector, where logistical bottlenecks and financial constraints frequently derail academic schedules.
The university’s dependence on external contractors for vital services like food has exposed a fragile link in the system, underscoring the need for more resilient solutions.
The students’ frustration was poignantly captured by Majok Guet Kuol, a final-year student whose heartfelt plea for the university to reopen, despite the lack of immediate food supplies, struck a chord with many.
“The academic aspirations of thousands of students at Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology are in limbo following the recent announcement of an indefinite postponement of the 2025 academic year’s reopening,” said Kuol.
Kuol proposed a bold solution, urging students to take collective responsibility by seeking support from their families and local communities to sustain themselves during the academic year.
“The situation at Dr. John Garang Memorial University underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure consistent support for higher education in South Sudan, allowing institutions to fulfil their crucial role in national progress,” stated Kuol.
The indefinite delay has fueled anxiety among students, many of whom fear that a prolonged closure could jeopardise their academic progress and future career prospects.
The absence of a clear timeline from the university administration has only deepened this uncertainty, prompting calls for urgent action to resolve the food supply crisis.
Education stakeholders have also raised alarms about the broader implications of the suspension. Prolonged disruptions risk undermining the quality of education, eroding student morale, and hindering the university’s role in fostering skilled professionals for South Sudan’s growth.
The crisis has also drawn attention to the need for systemic reforms to strengthen the nation’s higher education infrastructure. Experts suggest that investing in local food production or establishing contingency plans for supply chain disruptions could prevent similar crises in the future. For now, the university community awaits clarity on when studies might resume.
As the government and other stakeholders deliberate on solutions, the students of Dr. John Garang Memorial University remain in limbo, their academic journeys paused by circumstances beyond their control.
The resolution of this crisis will not only determine the immediate future of these students but also signal South Sudan’s commitment to prioritising education as a cornerstone of national progress.
