The Senior Management Team of the University of Juba (UoJ), led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor John A. Akec, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Isaac Cleto Rial, conducted an inspection visit to Bajur Campus on 12 March 2026 to assess the progress of the ongoing renovation of a key academic block.
The renovation project involves upgrading one academic block that will accommodate two lecture halls (one large and one small), three laboratories, and seven offices. The renovation works officially commenced on 21 November 2025 and are expected to be completed and handed over to the University by April 2026.
The primary objective of the project is to reduce congestion at the University’s Main Campus, which currently serves a rapidly growing student population of over 40,000 undergraduate students and approximately 5,000 postgraduate students. Expanding academic facilities at Bajur Campus, therefore, represents an important step toward improving the learning environment and strengthening the University’s academic infrastructure.
The renovation project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Construction works are being carried out by Atlantic Construction and General Trading Company.
During the inspection, the senior management team observed that significant progress has been made. Current works include the installation of roofing structures and windows, flooring works, and partial electrical installations. These developments indicate steady progress toward the expected completion timeline.
The Senior Management Team toured the facility under the guidance of Professor Salah Khatir Jubarah, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, together with Eng. Denis Wani Santo and representatives of the contractor. The visit provided an opportunity for the University leadership to assess the quality of the work and discuss technical aspects of the renovation.
During the inspection, Professor Akec expressed appreciation for the progress achieved so far. However, he also highlighted potential challenges related to the interior design of the large lecture hall, particularly regarding the visibility of lecturers to students during lectures. To address these concerns, he recommended that the podium in the large lecture hall be raised to ensure that the lecturer remains clearly visible to students seated at the back of the hall. This recommendation was informed by a similar challenge previously experienced in the large lecture halls at the Main Campus, particularly New Hall One (NH1), New Hall Two (NH2), and New Hall Three (NH3).
Looking ahead, Professor Akec also proposed that, once the renovation is completed, one of the largest colleges currently located at the Main Campus, the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, could gradually be relocated to the Bajur Campus. The relocation could begin with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Production. These departments could potentially form a specialized school at Bajur Campus, especially considering that the campus has approximately 220 acres of land allocated for a university farm. This land would provide an ideal environment for agricultural training, research, and practical learning.
The Bajur Campus renovation project represents a significant step toward expanding the University of Juba’s academic infrastructure, improving teaching and learning facilities, and creating additional space to accommodate the University’s growing student population. Once completed, the upgraded facility will provide modern lecture halls, laboratories, and office spaces, further strengthening the University’s capacity to deliver quality education, research, and community service.
Writer:
Miss Rebecca Awuor Deng