President Salva Kiir has urged lecturers of the public universities to call off their strike over unpaid allowances.

Lecturers in the five public universities across the country went on strike last month, demanding more than 40 million pounds in unpaid arrears.

They were deducted in the austerity measures in 2012.

In his public address yesterday, President Kiir emphasized the status of the economy and said the lecturers should participate in how to address the challenges.

“This is the time our intellectuals…. need to show us how we can address the challenges facing our country,” said Mr President.

“And therefore, I call upon our lecturers to call off their strike because this is hurting our country and affecting our students who are the future leaders of this nation.”

Lecturers say they could end the on and off strike if the government can make a written promise to pay them in future.