Speaking at a reception on Monday for the newly appointed Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Madut Biar Yel, Hoth emphasized the urgent need for a workforce equipped with practical, technical skills to meet South Sudan’s growing development demands.
“These two ministers are responsible for shaping the education system in the Republic of South Sudan,” Hoth said. “We need to know the needs of this country.”
He urged the academic community to stop producing graduates for a job market that cannot absorb them, stressing that the government cannot employ everyone.
“The government is very small. The private sector is bigger than the government — and that’s not a bad thing,” he noted.
Despite thousands of students graduating every year, Hoth pointed out that most lack the technical expertise required to fill critical roles. He specifically mentioned the urgent need for engineers, nurses, accountants, and other skilled professionals who can directly contribute to nation-building.
“We need technical people more than anything,” he said. “I say in this country, we need only one thousand medical doctors. But we need thousands of nurses, engineers, and accountants.”
Reflecting on history, Hoth referenced the U.S. transformation in 1956, when citizens took to the streets and reshaped their education system to meet national needs. He challenged South Sudanese education leaders to show the same urgency and unity.
“Please, sit with your professors, try to see what this country needs. If you define that one, then you will direct all the universities and general education to supply that gap.”
Hoth also called for stronger collaboration between universities and government institutions, emphasizing the role of research in guiding national policy. He praised past initiatives where academia and civil servants worked together to solve real problems:
“It was wonderful… we had a very hot debate… but at the end of the day, we all agreed.”
In closing, Hoth issued a passionate appeal to universities to take responsibility for the future of South Sudan.
“What do we need in this country for us to advance? It is your responsibility,” he concluded.
