A file picture of a teacher in South Sudan. (File photo/courtesy).

Primary school teachers in Western Bahr El Ghazal state are said to be leaving the teaching profession to join the army.

Teachers in the country receive an average of maximum of 300 pounds per month.

The state Minister of Education says many teachers have left teaching because of low salary payment.

Michael Madut told Eye Radio that primary schools in the state are mostly affected by the departure of qualified teachers:

“We realized that many teachers are leaving teaching in schools and are joining the army, and it’s because of low payment. This is happening in Western Bhar el Ghazal -especially those teaching in primary schools. It is a chance for them to join the army, because what they receive in the education field is very low.”

An assessment done by the Ministry of Education last year noted that teachers across the country are leaving their profession, for better paying jobs with various organizations.