Speaking during his official welcoming ceremony, Madut acknowledged the pain of prolonged salary delays, saying:
“We shall advocate for regular salaries,” he promised, addressing an issue that has demoralized academic professionals across the country.
He linked the crisis to the broader economic disruptions, especially the war in neighboring Sudan that has disrupted South Sudan’s oil flow — the country’s primary revenue source. Yet, he was quick to emphasize that the current situation underlines the urgent need for economic diversification, particularly to sustain critical sectors like education.
Despite the financial headwinds, the new minister projected confidence and commitment.
“We shall work together as a team,” Madut said, pledging unity within the education sector.
He extended appreciation to President Salva Kiir for entrusting him with the portfolio and praised his predecessor, Gabriel Changson Chang, for laying the groundwork in higher education reforms.
“I am not new to higher education matters,” Madut stated, referencing his policy experience from past roles in the Council of Ministers and Parliament.
He outlined a vision that includes better alignment between general and higher education systems, emphasizing that one cannot thrive without the other.
“We cannot make higher education a success if general education is weak,” he added.
Madut placed strong emphasis on technical and vocational training, calling it the key to preparing South Sudan’s youth for a rapidly changing workforce.
“We must train our youth technically,” he said. “Skills development must become a national priority.”
Call for Patience and Teamwork
In a candid and passionate contribution, Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, reinforced the urgency of resolving the salary backlog — reportedly over 13 months — owed to university staff.
“If he manages to get the salary, the 13 months that you are claiming, I think that would be a very, very big achievement,” Kuyok said, drawing applause from the audience.
While expressing hope, Kuyok also urged patience, recalling his own struggles as a university lecturer:
“The guy who is sitting behind this desk is not Prophet Ambroz, he is Professor Ambroz… let us prioritise,” he quipped, drawing laughter and nods of agreement.
He reiterated the importance of collaboration between the ministries, declaring:
“We are one ministry… we need to work together.”
New Era for Education Leadership?
The reception marked more than a symbolic handover — it served as a platform for renewed unity and ambition within South Sudan’s education leadership. Both ministers called for reform, teamwork, and financial discipline, raising hopes among educators and policymakers alike.
“He is a very experienced Minister, and I believe you can work with him,” Kuyok said in his closing remarks.
