Bahr el-Ghazal University bans academic staff association, workers’ trade union
The decision came just a day after a joint statement from both bodies declared not to supervise the ongoing supplementary and substitution examinations
By Aguok Chok
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Bahr el Ghazal, Prof Dr. Erneo Bernard Ochi, has revoked the operation of the University’s Academic Staff Association and Workers’ Trade Union.
The decision came just a day after a joint statement from both bodies declared not to supervise the ongoing supplementary and substitution examinations.
“Unfortunately, the performance and operationalization of the functions and objectives of these associations and trade unions violate the rights of students to sit their supplementary and substitute examinations,” Prof. Ochi stated in the administrative order dated April 23, 2025.
The revocation was enacted under Article 50 (4)(a) of the Higher Education Act, 2012, following what the administration viewed as a breach of students’ rights under Article 29(1)(2) of the Constitution of South Sudan.
On April 22, 2025, the two associations’ academic staff association and workers’ trade union issued a joint letter to the Vice Chancellor’s Office, referencing their decision.
The statement, signed by lecturers Joseph Lual Dario and Bol Maker, outlined their refusal to invigilate examinations from April 23, 2025.
According to their letter, “The two executive Bodies have announced discontinuation of invigilations for supplementary and substitution examinations until the payment is made on the following.”
The letter listed key grievances, including unpaid examination services, lack of meal allowances, unreliable power supply, unpaid marking incentives, and salary delays for both existing and newly recruited staff.
The staff associations referenced recommendations from Deans’ Board Meeting No.02/2025 and General Assembly Meeting No.01/2025 in support of their action. Their demand was clear: administrative issues had to be addressed before any further academic engagement, including invigilating critical examinations.
Prof. Ochi acknowledged the constitutional basis for the formation of such bodies, citing Article 25 (1)(2) of the Republic of South Sudan Constitution.
“In compliance with this constitutional obligation, the new administration granted the resumption of the association and trade union to function at this University,” he stated.
However, the Vice Chancellor emphasized that the rights of the students took precedence, noting the disruption to academic schedules as a direct infringement.
“Therefore, in compliance with Article 50 (4)(a) of the Higher Education Act, 2012, I, Prof. Dr. Erneo Bernard Ochi, Vice Chancellor do hereby revoke the Academic Staff Association and Trade Union of the University of Bahr el Ghazal with effect from 23rd April 2025,” he stated.
As of now, it remains unclear how the university plans to manage upcoming examinations or resolve the staff’s grievances. Students, meanwhile, await further updates amid rising concerns over their academic progress.
“Unfortunately, the performance and operationalization of the functions and objectives of these associations and trade unions violate the rights of students to sit their supplementary and substitute examinations,” said Prof Dr. Erneo Bernard Och, UBG Vice Chancellor.
