At least 46 students have graduated from the Catholic University of South Sudan’s (CUoSS) St. John’s Yambio Campus at the institution’s third graduation ceremony.
The graduates completed studies in education, economics, and business administration, among other fields.
The graduation and Thanksgiving ceremony brought together university officials, government representatives, Catholic Church leaders, lecturers, graduates, families and members of the public.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Alela Oguto, Director of CUoSS St. John’s Yambio Campus, said the graduation marked an important milestone for the university and its students.
“We are very happy to be here and part of this congregation where we have graduated 46 students. This is just a beginning,” he said. “I thank the teams that sponsored students. I just heard today that Solidarity sponsored 10 students from year one to four, and we are happy about that.”
He said the institution would continue engaging government, church leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen higher education in Western Equatoria.
He also added that the graduation and thanksgiving will become an annual event to celebrate students’ achievements and to review the institution’s progress.
For his part, Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala described the third graduation as a historic milestone for Western Equatoria State.
“This is a historical moment for us in the state,” he said. “We have a working force that has been graduating and is now providing services to our community.”
The prelate said CUoSS has helped bring higher education closer to young people and working professionals who may otherwise have to travel to Juba, Nairobi or other distant locations for university education.
He called on government, communities and other stakeholders to continue supporting the university and expressed hope that more faculties and departments will be opened.
For his part, Patrick Riruyo, Western Equatoria State Minister of General Education and Instruction, said university graduates would form an important part of the future workforce and urged them to use their knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of their communities and the country.
“Today is a historic because we have witnessed the graduation of over 40 learners,” he said. “We are going to ensure that more students enroll in the university from secondary schools.”
He also encouraged students to remain committed to completing their studies and taking up responsibilities in their communities.
Meanwhile, Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, who attended the ceremony, congratulated the graduates and said their achievement would contribute to strengthening the state’s skilled workforce.
“This graduation is adding value to the state, and I am very happy to be here. Today we are celebrating the future and development,” he said. “We are seeing manpower and future leaders and the builders of this nation graduating. I am very happy to support this initiative.”
He also urged young people to pursue education while engaging in productive activities, including agriculture and cooperative initiatives.
The ceremony highlighted the university’s growing role in providing higher education and developing human resources in Western Equatoria State.
and then