By Ngor Arol Garang
KHARTOUM 26 December 2009 (Sudan Tribune) — He said it is imperative to make the region’s education system comparable by matching standards to those of other countries in the region and beyond.
Kiir was speaking to a number of university teaching assistants and professors who paid him a Christmas visit at his residence in Juba, saying the legislation is vital, especially with the growing need of number of higher learning institutions.
The head of South Sudan administration said high standards of education will attract students both from within and outside the region.
“Our children used to travel out of the region seeking better education system in Eastern African countries because there was war. This can be addressed if parliament legislates strong policies”, he said.
He pledged to offer support to the southern universities.
“This is why cabinet meetings resolved to give priorities to security, education and agriculture in the draft budget of the 2010”, he added.
The President said southern populace and not him can prove that the Ministry of Education has made tremendous progress in the provision of education in the recent past, a trend which he said should be encouraged.
“Some of our children from all states are currently studying abroad on government scholarship”, he said mentioning Egypt, Southern Africa and indeed all Eastern Africa countries except Burundi.
He went further to say that his government has put in place enabling policies that allow individuals and organisations to set up educational institutions without difficulties.
“The government is encouraging the concept of public-private partnership which should be a platform for economic development”, he said.
He added that he is happy that the southern universities are currently run by indigenous professionals who are showing interest to develop them with financial assistance from government.
“Such initiatives deserve support as it is clear that those behind it did not wait for the government but were driven by the will to succeed”, he said while stressing that what his government has achieved in four years is remarkable and something that should be appreciated.
President Kiir said the impact that university education has made on the few Southern Sudan people should not be underestimated, emphasising that university education should reach out to all corners of the region in coming years despite many challenges facing the regional government.