BREAKING NEWS: President Kiir Orders Establishment of University of Yei and Two New Public Universities

(JUBA) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a presidential directive establishing and operationalizing three public universities in Central Equatoria, Warrap, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states.

According to a press release issued by the Office of the President on 17th July 2026, the directive aims to expand access to higher education, strengthen research, and support technological innovation across the country.

Under the directive, the existing University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal in Aweil will be redesignated and renamed the University of Aweil. All assets, personnel, and liabilities of the former institution will be transferred to the newly approved university following statutory accreditation.

The President has also directed the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and the National Council for Higher Education to begin the formal establishment and incorporation of the University of Kuajok in Warrap State and the University of Yei in Central Equatoria State.

In Yei, all administrative rights, properties, and physical facilities designated by state or local authorities for the university will be transferred to the institution once statutory approval is granted.

The directive further states that the President will serve as Chancellor of the three universities, while the Ministry of Higher Education is tasked with appointing interim leadership and preparing institutional charters and academic plans for accreditation.

The three universities are expected to focus on high-quality teaching, scientific research, innovation, agricultural technology, environmental sustainability, and community outreach programmes.

To ensure their immediate take-off, the Ministry of Finance and Planning has been directed to allocate start-up grants and recurrent operational funding through the national budget. State governments in Central Equatoria, Warrap, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal have also been instructed to provide administrative and security support for rapid campus development.

The move is expected to expand access to university education and contribute to human capital development in South Sudan.