DO NOT JOIN STAR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY MAGWI CAMPUS UNTIL IT FULLY ESTABLISHES ITS OWN STUDY CENTRE

Between 2017 and 2019, I wrote several articles about the fraudulent practices of Kampala University. Those who were its students were aggressively defensive, only to concede later. This happened after the Ministry of Higher Education declared the university illegal. Although the students pursued a legal case against the university, they sadly lost. Education is a right for everyone, but a learning institution should provide quality and legitimate services to the public. In South Sudan, several universities and colleges are operating illegally and exploiting poor students.

On 22 June 2026, Star International University (SIU) launched one of its campuses in Magwi Payam, making it the second campus after the Nimule campus, which was established around 2021–2022. Accordingly, this could be the third campus in Eastern Equatoria, including the Torit campus. Such rapid expansion raises serious questions about the credibility of the university. A credible learning institution cannot spread its branches everywhere within a short period without raising concerns. This article explains why students should take time to study SIU's viability, sustainability, and professionalism in service delivery before enrolling.

Is SIU Registered?

Apart from questions surrounding its origins, there is no doubt that SIU is a registered university with the Ministry of Higher Education. Under the list of private institutions, SIU appears among the recognised universities according to the 2024/2025 admission criteria published by the ministry. This recognition qualifies SIU as one of the accredited learning institutions in South Sudan. Students who wish to join are free to do so, although the main campus may be a more favourable option.

Consuming Doubts

As I write this article, there are many doubts about SIU. First is how it started, and second is why it continues opening many campuses if professionalism is truly its objective.

SIU began as Busoga University, which allegedly awarded many questionable degrees to students, including some public figures such as Adil of CES. The university later collapsed and transitioned through different phases before eventually becoming SIU. This transformation remains a major source of doubt.

In Magwi County alone, SIU has two campuses under the justification of taking services closer to the people. While accessibility is important, this explanation appears inadequate and may conceal other motives.

A Word of Caution

Observe first. Whatever your level of poverty may be, do not join an institution simply because of its attractive name or favourable praise. This caution particularly applies to the SIU Magwi campus.

For instance, SIU is reportedly struggling with student enrolment in Nimule. Several factors contribute to these weaknesses, which I will discuss in my next article. To protect themselves, the people of Magwi should not rush to enrol in SIU but should first observe its performance and development.

We should remember that Magwi County is home to many intellectuals. Therefore, it should avoid supporting ventures that prioritise financial gain over quality educational services.

Establish a Permanent Centre

It is regrettable that SIU was allowed to occupy Magwi Primary School. In my view, this is a substandard arrangement. From my experience, shared premises are normally associated with primary, secondary, and kindergarten institutions. A university sharing facilities with a primary school undermines the seriousness of higher education.

If SIU is not pursuing financial gain above all else, it should first acquire land and construct its own facilities before recruiting students. A genuine institution of higher learning should invest in adequate infrastructure before expanding its operations.

Insufficient Qualified Lecturers

South Sudan is one of the countries experiencing a high level of brain drain. Many qualified lecturers work abroad because of better welfare and remuneration. Consequently, some institutions employ lecturers whose qualifications are barely higher than those of the students they teach.

For example, between 2018 and 2019, lecturers at Kampala University's Nimule branch were reportedly diploma holders who were simultaneously pursuing degree programmes at the university's main campus. Given the number of campuses SIU operates across the country, it is possible that the Magwi campus may face similar staffing challenges.

This possibility calls for caution among prospective students considering joining the university's campuses.

Conclusion

While the Ministry of Higher Education recognises SIU, it appears to be one of the weaker universities in the country due to what some may view as an overly aggressive expansion strategy. A serious and genuine university should not constantly worry about its survival but should focus on strengthening academic quality and infrastructure.

Opening many branches within a short period may indicate fear of competition or an attempt to generate revenue to support campuses with low enrolment. Given these observations, I call upon the people of Magwi to carefully reconsider joining SIU until it establishes an independent campus with standard learning facilities in the county.

Otherwise, there is a risk that students may invest their time and resources in qualifications that may struggle to achieve broader recognition and competitiveness compared to those offered by more established institutions.

Sir Abunerry Blogcast 

Writer Critic and Poet