Institute of Japanese Studies (IJAS)

Concept Note for the Establishment of the Institute of Japanese Studies (IJAS), University of Juba (UoJ). Republic of South Sudan.

Introduction

Republic of South Sudan gained her independence from the Sudan on 9^th July 2011. While it was established in 1975, the University of Juba has comprehensively transformed into a regional university and moving into a full world class status in few years ahead. With this transformation, critical areas of studies have been added into the University curriculum. These areas of studies are imperative for the socio-economic and political development of South Sudan. From 2015, the university has established new schools such School of Public Service, School of Land Management, Urban & Regional Planning, School of Petroleum & Minerals, School of Mathematics, School of Tourism and Hospitality, School of Medical Laboratory, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, School of Public Health etc and upgraded Centers such as Centre for Peace and Development Studies (CPD) to Institute of Peace, Development and Security Studies (IPDSS) and new institutes such as National Transformative Leadership Institute (NTLI) and Institute of Water Studies (IWS). Moreover, the University rebranded majority of the Colleges into Schools to equate with the global transformation of the Universities. With all that radical transformation, a very important area of studies and critical to South Sudan socio-economic and political development is the Japanese Studies which is very relevant and timely today. Beginning as JICA Chair on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between University of Juba and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), South Sudan on 17^th December 2021, the Institute of Japanese Studies (IJAS) will be game changer in South Sudan.

Objectives of the Institute of Japanese Studies (IJAS)

To research on the Japanese studies for the purpose of learning the best practices for the socio-economic and political development of South Sudan.
To encourage debates, seminars and publications in the South Sudanese-Japanese studies for effective knowledge production and retention.
To train cadres on Japanese studies so as enhance market and diplomatic relations of South Sudan with Japan.
To promote exchange programmes and academic linkages between university of Juba and Japanese universities for knowledge exchange and experience sharing.
To assist in promoting Japanese projects in South Sudan.

3. Justification of the establishment of Institute of Japanese Studies (IJAS)

Commenced as a Centre supported by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chair, South Sudan, the Institute of Japanese Studies (IJAS) is very essential avenue for the training and research of South Sudanese students and beyond on the best Japanese studies and practice. Given that Japan is rapidly industrializing and once has been considered as Asian Tiger with “first” or “original” economic miracle of unbelievably transformation of her economies in a very short time, the IJAS will be a platform for training South Sudanese interested in Japanese politics, social and economic developments, particularly, the diplomats that are posted in Pacific sub-region to learn the best practices on the development of Japan and sample lessons South Sudan could learn. It will also be an avenue to learn bad practices from the history of Japan and to avoid them in the political and development landscape of South Sudan. Japan has been a very close friend to South Sudan and through JICA has championed lives changing programmes and projects in the country such as strengthening governance and security programme, agricultural programmes such as development of comprehensive agricultural master plan, basic livelihood skills and vocational training and the mega project, the Freedom Bridge that has connected the Eastern Juba suburbs with the rest of Juba suburbs. With above connections and closeness of Japan to South Sudan, it is imperative these connections, closeness and development supports be deepened and widened through scientific studies. Hence, the IJAS is very imperative and timely to be established today at the University of Juba to connect the university to the Japanese universities as well as develop capable manpower that shall tap the benefits the Japanese studies bring to South Sudan and in the region of Eastern Africa.