Western Equatoria authorities warn private schools over tuition practices

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 warning was issued during an education forum 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.

Wande said the ministry would intensify inspections of private schools to address irregularities, including unapproved fee increases and the practice of 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.”

He added that private schools should not prioritise profit over education and must comply with curriculum requirements, including the use of national languages.

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, saying such disruptions undermine learning.

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.

The meeting concluded with officials urging school owners to work closely with the ministry, warning that institutions found in violation of regulations could face enforcement measures aimed at protecting learners and parents.