Juba University Fund Allegations Denied by Ministry

(JUBA) – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has rejected allegations that Vice Chancellor Professor John Akech diverted $210,000 meant for digital agriculture students at the University of Juba.

The Ministry described the claims as completely false in a statement released on 6th October 2026. The statement responded to a post published by the Facebook page Sixty 4 Tribes Press.

The Ministry said no funds had been disbursed to the University of Juba for student stipends at the time the post was published. It added that it is impossible to divert money that the university has not received.

The Ministry also said the University of Juba has no role in handling student stipends. It said stipend disbursement is the sole responsibility of the Project Implementation Unit under the Ministry’s supervision, with all payments made directly to students.

The Ministry has set up a committee to investigate the source of the allegation. It described the publication as a malicious attempt to damage the reputation of the university’s leadership and to create unnecessary worry among students.

The Ministry advised the public to ignore the claims.

The rebuttal follows months of disruption at the University of Juba. Eye Radio reported in March 2026 that public university lecturers had not been paid salaries for eight months .

The Vice Chancellor, Professor John Akech, confirmed the unpaid arrears at the time.

A lawmaker later blamed chronic underfunding for the crisis. Hon. Zacharia Matur Makuer, a member of the Specialized Committee on Higher Education and Technology in the National Legislative Assembly, said the lack of state support is forcing public universities to operate like private businesses.

In February 2026, the university cancelled examinations after students protested over tuition fees. Professor Akech later clarified that while tuition clearance was required for examination eligibility, no student was denied the opportunity to sit for their papers. The university introduced a system of “undertakings” for students with outstanding balances.

Professor Akech said the university relies almost completely on student fees to operate, with the money needed for infrastructure, maintenance, and lecturer incentives.

“We need this money to be able to operate; it is the only thing we depend on,” he said.

Students have also called on the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to clear the outstanding salary arrears owed to lecturers.