University of Bahr El Ghazal Student Drops Out Over Tuition Hike

(Wau) – A final year student at the University of Bahr El Ghazal has been forced to quit school following a steep increase in tuition fees, raising concerns about the affordability of higher education in South Sudan.

Ayai Deng Ngang, a fourth year agriculture student, shared his frustration in an interview with Aweil News Agency, saying he could no longer afford to continue his studies after the university’s administration refused to reduce the newly raised fees.

According to Ayai, the tuition fee last year stood at 170,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), which at the time was equivalent to approximately 150 US Dollars. However, this academic year, the fee has jumped to 2,975,000 SSP—currently about 500 US Dollars based on the Bank of South Sudan’s official exchange rate of 595 SSP per USD as of June 23, 2025.

Ayai said the increase was unaffordable for him and his family, who have long struggled to meet tuition demands.

“I grew up in a family where paying school fees has always been difficult. This year’s tuition increase is simply too much for us,” he explained.

Despite stepping away from his studies, Ayai remains hopeful. He said he is willing to return to school if someone is able to support him financially.

“I would be grateful to anyone who can help. My family and I cannot meet the new tuition requirement,” he said.