On March 26, 2025, the University of Juba hosted a three-day orientation for newly admitted first-year students for the 2024-2025 academic year. The event, held at the Main University Playground, was meticulously organized by the staff of the Deanship of Student Affairs, with the goal of welcoming and integrating the new students into university life.
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Robert Mayom Deng, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, emphasized the crucial role of orientation in helping first-year students adjust to university life. He acknowledged that many students come from secondary schools with limited knowledge of university operations. Reflecting on his own experiences as a first-year student at the University of Khartoum fifty years ago, Prof. Deng highlighted the significance of this transition, urging students to be self-motivated as they would no longer receive reminders for lectures or assignments. He emphasized that university life requires seriousness, dedication, and the avoidance of distractions, urging students to cultivate leadership skills that transcend tribal biases and embrace diverse cultures. Prof. Deng also stressed the importance of hard work and encouraged students to set high academic standards, inspiring them to strive for excellence not only within South Sudan but across East Africa and beyond. He warned that poor academic performance could lead to discontinuation (DISCO) and called for a focused commitment to education to prepare students for both academic challenges and future leadership roles.
Ngor Kuot, a senior student at the university, expressed his congratulations to the new students on their admission to an institution renowned for its relevance and success. He thanked the administration for its ongoing infrastructural development, especially in light of many government universities being closed. Kuot urged the new students to focus on building professional connections rather than engaging in tribalism or divisive practices, emphasizing the role of professionalism in fostering unity and progress within the university community.
Yai Deng, the first-year student representative from the School of Law, recommended that future orientations be held during the first week of the academic year and suggested the inclusion of guides to assist new students. He encouraged his peers to engage in networking through association-based activities instead of focusing on tribal affiliations, stressing the importance of building connections that would extend beyond university life. Deng also motivated the students to aspire to become job creators rather than job seekers, emphasizing the proactive approach needed for success in their future careers.
In his remarks, Dr. Adam Cholong Ohiri, the Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, expressed gratitude to the parents of the first-year students and congratulated them on their children’s admission to the University of Juba, a prestigious national institution. He also commended the organizing committee and Mrs. Christine Nyanakol Riak, the Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, for their efforts in facilitating the orientation. Dr. Ohiri conveyed his hopes for the university’s continued contributions to national and human development, emphasizing sustainability and the importance of upholding the university’s motto of excellence and relevance.
Prof. Justo Wani Jada, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Finance, welcomed the first-year students and reflected on his own experience as a student in 1983. He encouraged the new students to showcase their talents and manage their time effectively. Prof. Jada urged students to seek guidance from both academic and non-academic staff when needed, emphasizing that overcoming challenges and diligent reading are key to academic success.
Prof. Isaac Cleto Rial, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, reiterated the importance of orientation and the pivotal roles that students play in shaping their academic journeys. He encouraged students to attend lectures as outlined in the university’s bluebook and adhere to established policies. Prof. Rial also acknowledged existing challenges regarding laboratory facilities but outlined ongoing projects, such as the development of the Somba land (University farm) and securing sites for the School of Fisheries and practicum locations in Terekeka. He mentioned the upcoming establishment of the School of Veterinary Medicine and emphasized the potential impact students would have as they advanced to their fifth year. Prof. Rial also addressed the delay in orientation and expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, wishing the students success as they progressed toward becoming proud alumni of the University of Juba.
On the second day of orientation, Prof. Mairi John Backings, the Registrar for Academic Affairs, welcomed the first-year students and acknowledged the challenges ahead. He encouraged students to remain strong and patient, reminding them that “Good things come to those who are patient,” and emphasized the importance of resilience. Prof. Blackings reassured students that the university is working diligently to address various challenges and provided an overview of the academic year calendar. He urged those who had not yet registered to do so before March 31, 2025, and emphasized the importance of managing their time wisely and choosing their friends carefully throughout their academic journey.
Mr. Erasto Robba Stanley, the Deputy Dean of Libraries, welcomed the first-year students on behalf of the library staff. He noted that many university leaders were once students at the same institution, underscoring the qualifications of the management. Mr. Stanley encouraged students to strive for excellence, embrace challenges, and make use of the library’s resources. He outlined various services offered by the library, including the provision of ID cards, borrowing books, and long borrowing periods, while also sharing the library’s operating hours.
Mr. Mading Kiir, the Director of Waste Management, Water Supply & Hygiene at the University, introduced the roles and responsibilities of his directorate. He stressed the importance of proper waste management, including the handling of both solid and liquid waste. Mr. Kiir advised first-year students against using latrines as places to cheat during exams and highlighted the need for proper waste disposal, urging students to take responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy campus environment.
On the third day of orientation, Dr. Susan Peter Lado Portasio, the Director of the University of Juba Clinic, welcomed the first-year students and emphasized the importance of managing both time and health. She outlined the clinic’s services, including routine checkups for students, staff, and community members. Dr. Lado encouraged students to utilize the clinic during exams if they fell ill, reassuring them that the clinic would maintain records to facilitate substitute exams if necessary.
Dr. Adam Cholong, the Acting Dean of Students Affairs, reiterated his responsibility for the students’ well-being and emphasized the importance of peace within the university community. He outlined the three key pillars of the university; the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar for Academic Affairs, and the students, and encouraged students to participate in various student associations. Dr. Cholong urged students to prioritize professionalism over tribalism and to use these associations as platforms for positive change. He advised students to seek information from the Deanship of Students’ Affairs, which is there to support them, and to avoid violence. In closing, he wished the students success and emphasized the importance of time management and discipline throughout their academic journey.
~ Ms. Ann Poni James