Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of South Sudan MoHEST

Overview

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MoHEST) of South Sudan is the principal government body responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education, science, and technology in the country. Established on June 21, 2010, through Presidential Decree No. 62/2010, the Ministry's mandate encompasses policy formulation, strategic planning, and coordination of tertiary education and scientific research. Its mission aligns with South Sudan's Vision 2040, aiming to build an educated and informed nation by enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education.

Historical and Legal Framework

Prior to South Sudan's independence in 2011, higher education was managed by the Government of Sudan. Following independence, MoHEST assumed full responsibility for higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Sudan. The Ministry operates under the provisions of the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan (ICSS) of 2005 and the Higher Education Act of 2012, which provides a legal framework for the establishment, accreditation, and governance of HEIs in the country.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

MoHEST's mission is to ensure that higher education in South Sudan is relevant, sustainable, and accessible to qualified citizens. The Ministry's vision is to provide quality, inclusive, and equitable higher education that contributes to national development. Key objectives include:

• Enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in HEIs.
• Promoting research and innovation to address national challenges.
• Expanding access to higher education across the country.
• Strengthening the governance and management of HEIs.
• Fostering partnerships with international educational institutions.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

MoHEST is headed by a Minister appointed by the President of South Sudan. The Ministry's structure includes various departments responsible for policy development, accreditation, planning, and coordination of higher education and scientific research. While the Ministry operates within the framework of national laws and policies, it retains a degree of autonomy to address the unique educational needs of South Sudan's diverse population.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

MoHEST plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality of higher education in South Sudan. Its responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing national policies for the accreditation of HEIs.
• Establishing standards and guidelines for academic programs and institutional governance.
• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of HEIs to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Providing support and capacity-building for HEIs to enhance their effectiveness.

These efforts aim to maintain high educational standards and promote continuous improvement within the country's higher education system.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

MoHEST actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of South Sudan's higher education system. Notable initiatives include:

• Partnership with UNESCO: MoHEST has collaborated with UNESCO to develop and review national policies on science, technology, and innovation, aiming to align South Sudan's higher education system with international standards.
• Regional Engagement: The Ministry participates in regional forums and networks to share knowledge, best practices, and foster partnerships with neighboring countries.

These partnerships contribute to the modernization and internationalization of South Sudan's educational landscape.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

MoHEST's initiatives are poised to significantly impact higher education in South Sudan. Key developments include:

• Policy Reforms: The approval of the Higher Education Policy Frameworks aims to improve the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of higher education in the country.
• Infrastructure Development: Efforts are underway to renovate and upgrade the Ministry's facilities to better serve the needs of the higher education sector.
• Capacity Building: MoHEST is implementing programs to strengthen the capabilities of HEIs and their staff, ensuring they can effectively contribute to national development.

These actions are expected to strengthen the alignment of higher education with labor market demands and contribute to the socio-economic development of South Sudan.

Summary

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of South Sudan plays a crucial role in shaping the country's educational and scientific landscape. Through its governance, accreditation processes, and international collaborations, the Ministry strives to provide quality education that meets the diverse needs of its population. Its ongoing efforts in policy reform, infrastructure development, and capacity building are set to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of higher education in South Sudan, positioning it for future growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the role of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology in South Sudan?
  The Ministry is responsible for developing and implementing educational policies, overseeing accreditation processes, and coordinating scientific research activities within South Sudan.
• How does the Ministry ensure the quality of higher education?
  The Ministry ensures quality through accreditation of institutions, establishing standards and guidelines, monitoring performance, and providing support for capacity building.
• What international partnerships does the Ministry have?
  The Ministry collaborates with organizations like UNESCO and participates in regional forums to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of South Sudan's higher education system.
• What recent initiatives has the Ministry undertaken?
  Recent initiatives include the approval of the Higher Education Policy Frameworks, infrastructure development projects, and capacity-building programs for higher education institutions.
• How does the Ministry support educators?
  The Ministry supports educators through professional development programs, curriculum development, and initiatives aimed at integrating traditional and modern educational paradigms.

Organization Name

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of South Sudan

Acronym

MoHEST

Year of Establishment

1/01/2011

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Airport Road , 255; Atlabara
Juba
Central Equatoria South Sudan

Phone

+211 921 275 877

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of South Sudan's Wikipedia article

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