(WAU) – The University of Bahr el Ghazal is set to reopen in phases beginning July 28, 2025, following a two month closure triggered by student protests over increased tuition fees. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Erneo Uchi, announced that only first year and final year students will be allowed to resume, with lectures starting on August 4.
According to Prof. Uchi, this limited reopening is a strategic decision to ease tension and assess the situation before welcoming back all students.
“We want to start with fewer numbers. First year students are still enthusiastic, and finalists want to graduate without delays,” he said.
The reopening plan aims to avoid further disruptions and restore calm to the academic environment. Prof. Uchi noted that other student groups could return in a few months if stability is maintained.
Students were protesting a tuition fee increment introduced earlier this year, which the administration insists is necessary for the sustainability of the institution. Despite the unrest, the university maintains that the new fee structure will remain in place.
Prof. Uchi defended the revised fees by comparing them with institutions in neighbouring countries. He said that even with the new rates, South Sudanese students are paying significantly less than their peers elsewhere in the East African region.
“For instance, a student in the College of Medicine pays SSP 1,000,000, equivalent to about $217,” he explained. “In Uganda, the same programme costs between $2,000 and $3,000. So even with this increase, we’re still far behind.”
Tuition Comparison – South Sudan vs Uganda
| Programme | Fee (SSP) | Fee (USD) | Uganda Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 1,000,000 | $217 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Nursing, Education | Lower | Lower | $1,500 – $2,500 |
Exchange rate: $1 = SSP 4,600 (July 2025)
In addition to tuition, students will also be required to pay a university development fund. However, the administration has offered flexibility by allowing students to pay at least 50% of the total fees upfront to continue their studies.
The Vice Chancellor stressed that without the adjustments, the university would face serious financial difficulties.
“This is the least required to sustain the university operations under current economic pressures,” he said.
The University of Bahr el Ghazal, located in Wau, is one of South Sudan’s key public institutions, with colleges offering courses in medicine, veterinary science, public health, nursing, education, and other disciplines.
The temporary closure, which began in May 2025, had left many students uncertain about their academic future. The partial reopening brings hope to those in critical academic years and signals the administration’s intention to resolve disputes without further delays.
The university says it will continue to monitor the situation and announce further plans for the rest of the student body in the coming months.