The University of Juba may not continue with the same level of operation if the new rise in tuition fees is not implemented, the Vice Chancellor has said.

This month, the university administration announced it was tripling tuition fees across different colleges.

Two weeks ago, students at the University of Juba complained about the new fees structure saying, their parents will not be able to meet it.

The undersecretary in the Ministry of Higher Education also said the university administration should stick to the previous fee structure approved by the Council of Higher Education.

But the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Akech, has told Eye Radio that the rise in tuition fees is necessary to sustain the university.

“We had to factor in the inflation. Things have increased 6 to 8 times since last year. If we continue to charge the fees of last year, then we realized that we would be able to operate the university,” Prof Akech stressed.

Prof Akech also said the government may also need to give more support to the university operations if the previous fee structure is to be maintained.

Currently, a science student pays roughly 4,000 pounds per semester.