JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN – The Central Equatoria State Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate closure of Juba Integrated High School following allegations that the institution charged students tuition fees in US dollars and violated education regulations.

The suspension was announced on Friday, 9 October 2026, after the state’s Caretaker Minister of Education, Lupai Satimon Andrew, identified several alleged violations involving the school’s administration and operating procedures.

According to the ministerial order, the school failed to meet minimum operating standards, prevented students from attending classes without lawful justification and collected tuition fees in foreign currency.

The ministry subsequently directed the school to suspend all operations with immediate effect until the identified violations are addressed.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over reports that several secondary schools across South Sudan have been demanding tuition payments in US dollars rather than the local currency, the South Sudanese pound.

Such practices have placed additional financial pressure on families already struggling with rising living costs, currency instability and persistent economic challenges.

For many parents, securing sufficient funds to educate their children has become increasingly difficult as inflation continues to erode household purchasing power.

Under the ministerial directive, Juba Integrated High School has been given five days to rectify the identified violations and submit evidence demonstrating compliance with the ministry’s requirements.

The school will only be permitted to reopen following a satisfactory inspection by education authorities and the issuance of written authorisation from the ministry.

The order further warns that any attempt to resume operations during the suspension period could result in additional administrative measures or legal action.

The ministry’s intervention highlights the challenges facing South Sudan’s education sector, particularly the need to ensure that schools comply with regulations while maintaining access to education for families experiencing financial hardship.

The case also raises broader questions about the affordability of secondary education and the financial pressures confronting parents and students across the country.