Vice President, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, the head of Service Cluster and also the Chairperson of the South Sudan Patriotic Movement (SSPM) [Photo: Courtesy]

The move follows a wave of public concern regarding the fate of one of South Sudan’s most storied educational institutions.

In a statement released via the official Facebook page of Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, the government emphasized that the decision is rooted in institutional growth rather than displacement.

The primary goal, the office stated, is to improve learning facilities for both the secondary school and the expanding university.

The government’s plan involves constructing a modern, purpose-built campus for Rumbek Secondary School. Once completed, the current site will transition to the university to facilitate the establishment of new faculties.

A key factor in the site selection is the school’s proximity to Rumbek State Hospital. The Vice President’s office noted that this makes the current premises an ideal location for a future Faculty of Health Sciences, providing university students with essential access to practical medical training.

Addressing the economic rationale behind the decision, the Vice President’s office explained that building a new secondary school is significantly more cost-effective than constructing an entire university from the ground up.

“This directive does not seek to erase or diminish the legacy of Rumbek Senior Secondary School as perceived by the media. That legacy remains unchangeable and will continue to be honored,” the statement read.

The office cited limited financial resources and competing national priorities—including major road construction projects and preparations for upcoming elections—as the driving force behind this pragmatic allocation of existing infrastructure.

Founded in 1948 by the Church Missionary Society, Rumbek Secondary School is a cornerstone of South Sudanese history. It has served as the academic cradle for prominent national leaders, including H.E. James Wani Igga and the late Martin Majier.

Despite the government’s assurances that the school will only relocate once the new campus is “fully completed and equipped,” the initial announcement triggered strong opposition from citizens and leaders who view the physical site as a sacred heritage.

Laat Maker Riak, a prominent voice from Rumbek, rejected the proposal, stating that no one should interfere with the school’s historical identity.

Former MP Gai Mayen Luk echoed these sentiments, arguing that the institution in its original form must be preserved as a landmark for future generations.

As the debate continues, the government maintains that the transition will be handled with the utmost respect for the school’s history while addressing the urgent need for higher education expansion in the region.