On March 29, 2025, the Directorate of Alumni Affairs, University of Juba held its inaugural General Assembly Meeting and Election of the Executive leadership of the University of Juba Alumni Association, with the theme: “Building Bridges to Strengthen Alumni Collaboration and Networking: Reconnecting alumni to leverage their collective expertise for lasting impact and development.” The event was attended by notable figures, including Prof. Robert Mayom Deng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba; Prof. Abraham Matoc, Vice Chancellor of John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology; Prof. Isaac Cleto Rial, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Prof. Justo Wani Jada, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance, and key government officials(alumni): Hon. Joseph Africano, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and Hon. Sarah Cleto, former Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. Their presence underscored the significance of the assembly in fostering collaboration and networking among alumni of the University of Juba.
Dr. Ruba C. Bilal, the Director of Alumni Affairs, provided a comprehensive overview of the Directorate’s functions and emphasized the pivotal role alumni play in the University’s ecosystem. He highlighted the formation of the executive body, which will work to engage and involve alumni in various initiatives. Dr. Bilal outlined the numerous benefits of joining the University of Juba Alumni Association, including networking opportunities, professional development, and enhanced collaboration with the University. His presentation underscored the importance of maintaining strong connections between alumni and the Institution to foster a sense of community and mutual support.
Hon. Joseph Africano, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, acknowledged the attendees and shared personal experiences from his time as a student at the University of Juba in 1983. He reflected on the existence of only one association, the “Juba University Students Association,” during his time and spoke of the challenges that hindered the establishment of an Alumni Association. Hon. Africano emphasized that the formation of the Alumni Association would significantly contribute to improving the University’s laboratories and libraries. He encouraged current students to embrace creativity and innovation, stressing that South Sudan possesses the necessary potential for progress and development.
Prof. Abraham Matoc, Vice Chancellor of John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, expressed his appreciation for the University of Juba and its organizing committee, commending the competence of its professors. He noted that the University of Juba predates the University of Gezira (Sudan) and praised the solidarity of the South Sudan Students Association during his time. In his speech, he urged alumni to be distinctive in the election of the Executive Body, emphasizing that their roles should go beyond enhancing their CVs. He stressed the importance of alumni contributing to conflict resolution and maintaining an impartial stance toward the University. Prof. Matoc concluded by congratulating the Directorate of Alumni Affairs on successfully initiating the Alumni Association.
Prof. Robert Mayom Deng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, emphasized the importance of the Alumni Association in fostering connections and support among graduates. He shared a personal anecdote about receiving a congratulatory call from his former University in the UK upon his appointment, illustrating the lasting relationships that alumni maintain with their Institutions. Prof. Deng expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Alumni Affairs and urged them to serve as effective ambassadors for the University. He encouraged Alumni to take an active role in driving development initiatives and thanked the organizing committee for their efforts in organizing the assembly.
During the nomination process for the Alumni Executive Body, Advocate Abraham Deng outlined the functions of the electoral body and described the seven executive positions to be filled: Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary General, Secretary of Information and External Affairs, Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Social Welfare, and Legal Advisor. He provided a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities associated with each position to ensure clarity among the participants. Advocate Deng also explained the voting procedures, setting the stage for a transparent election process. Following the nominations, the interim Executive leadership of the University of Juba Alumni Association (UJAA) was elected, marking a significant step toward promoting collaboration and engagement among alumni.
The elected Executive Leadership of the University of Juba Alumni Association is as follows:
- Hon. Joseph Africano Monday– Chairperson
- Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial – Deputy Chairperson
- Dr. Ajak Major – Secretary General
- Paulino Machot Mayen – Secretary of Finance
- Rebecca James – Secretary of Social Welfare
- Stanislaus J.D Hipia– Secretary of Information and External Affairs
In his closing remarks, Prof. Robert Mayom Deng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, expressed his gratitude for the attendance of Prof. Abraham Matoc, Vice Chancellor of John Garang Memorial University, as the guest of honor. He emphasized the importance of the newly elected executive leadership of the University of Juba Alumni Association, urging them to uphold democratic values and inclusivity. He highlighted that their diverse representation from various regions of South Sudan reflects the unity and collaborative spirit essential for the country’s progress.
~ Ms. Ann Poni James