A first-ever public university has opened in Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, marking a major milestone for higher education in the oil-producing region, officials said.
Bentiu University of Petroleum (BUP) has begun accepting applications for the 2023/2024 academic year, offering courses in petroleum engineering, environmental studies, computer science and management.
Bentiu University coordinator Kel Malual Latjor told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that the opening forms part of government efforts to expand access to higher education across South Sudan.
“Bentiu has been designated this year as an admission centre by the Ministry of Higher Education, and people in Unity State are very excited,” Latjor said. He encouraged students to collect application forms at the main campus in Bentiu town.
The university is also facilitating admissions to other public institutions, including the University of Juba, Upper Nile University and Bahr el Ghazal University, he added.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Melha Rout Biel said Bentiu University of Petroleum was established to train specialists in the oil and gas sector and related fields.
“The university is mandated to produce experts in petroleum engineering, environmental sciences, business management and technology,” Biel said, adding that it aims to become a regional centre of excellence.
According to the university administration, the National Council for Higher Education has approved several academic programmes for immediate implementation, including a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Petroleum Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Diploma in Information Technology.
Additional programmes in medicine, business, tourism, mining engineering and social sciences are under development, officials said.
Students welcomed the opening, saying it would reduce the need to travel to Juba or other states for university education.
“This university is very important to us because we can study here in Bentiu instead of going far away,” said Bayak Thiech, a newly admitted student.
Another student, Nyier Tap Kueth, who was admitted to the College of Petroleum Engineering, said classes are expected to begin later this year.
Nyier welcomed the opening of the university in Unity State, saying it would spare local students the cost and hardship of travelling to Juba or other parts of the country in search of higher education.
Bentiu University of Petroleum was founded in 2010 and later operationalised by the government of South Sudan after independence. Its motto is “Knowledge for Peace and Development.”