The decrees, announced on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), mark a significant shake-up in the leadership of South Sudan’s higher education institutions.
In his first decree, Kiir dismissed Prof. John Akec as Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba and replaced him with Professor Robert Mayom Deng Kuirot.
In another decree, Kiir named Professor Mamur Chuol Turuk as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Upper Nile, replacing Professor Marial Awou Yol who passed away while undergoing treatment in India in September last year.
Kiir also dismissed Professor Victor Loku as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bahr el Ghazal and replaced him with Professor Ernesto Bernado Jada.
The president then named Professor Rose Ajak as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the University of Bahr el Ghazal.
Professor Rose replaces Professor Kuek Maluil Jok, who transitions to the role of Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at the university.
Furthermore, Kiir appointed Professor Joshua Otor Akol as the new Vice Chancellor of Rumbek University of Science and Technology, replacing Professor Deng Manasseh. Kiir then appointed Professor Pauline Riak as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
At Dr. John Garang Memorial University, Kiir named Professor Abraham Matoch Dhal as the new Vice-Chancellor. Kiir also named Professor Hawa Morgan, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance.
Professor Hawa will also maintain her previous responsibilities at the University of Bhar El Ghazal. Kiir then appointed Professor Pauline Riak as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Apart from his powers provided for in the transitional constitution and the revitalized peace agreement, Kiir did not cite any reason for the changes.