A group of teachers, who were recently released from detention on the order of the Lakes State Minister of General Education, Nelson Makoi Makur, are appealing to Governor Rin Tueny Mabor to replace the embattled minister.
19 teachers who were detained in Rumbek and Yirol, as per the orders of Minister Nelson Makoi Makur, were released last Friday.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, John Anhiem Athuai, a former headmaster of Yirol Boys Primary School, emphasized the need for stability and quality education in the education system, urging the state governor to remove Minister Nelson Makoi Makur.
“We have all been released, including those who were detained in Yirol East and Rumbek. There were eight teachers in Yirol West, six in Yirol East, and five in Rumbek East. The total number of detained teachers was 19, and we have all been released,” said Athuai.
He further explained that they were informed that the screening exams were not intended for them, which was the reason for their arrest. He added that they were advised to resume their work as usual.
Athuai emphasized that if the screening exams were part of a nationwide education policy, including directors general, they would have accepted it. However, if it was solely decided by Minister Nelson Makoi Makur, they would not sit for it.
“As teachers, we believe that Minister Nelson Makoi should be removed or transferred to another ministry. If he continues, the crises in the Ministry of Education will persist. He always causes unnecessary problems in Lakes State,” Athuai expressed. “My advice to the Governor is that we want the Education minister removed and replaced with someone who can handle the education ministry better.”
Athuai highlighted that the Minister used to insult and threaten them, referring to all teachers as fake and claiming that only qualified teachers sought employment with NGOs.
“We cannot achieve the Governor’s policy of quality education in Lakes State if we continue with Nelson Makoi,” Athuai emphasized. “There is a lack of exercise books, chalk, tea, food, and pens for teachers in schools due to insufficient capitation grants. With proper payment and adequate school funding, we can achieve quality education as per the Governor’s policy.”
Another formerly detained teacher, who spoke anonymously due to fear, said they are calling on the governor to remove Minister Nelson Makoi Makur and appoint a capable individual to handle educational matters in Lakes State.
“I also support my colleagues in urging the Governor to remove the Minister of Education in Lakes State because he is causing unnecessary chaos. However, we have been instructed by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs not to speak to the media,” said the teacher.
The State minister of Education Nelson Makoi could not immediately be reached for comment.