Torit University of Science and Technology (TUST) on Monday announced a direct intake for short course certificates and diploma programs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Torit town, the capital of Eastern Equatoria state, by the university’s vice chancellor, Dr. Pasquale Tiberio Moilinga. Dr. Moilinga said the university had been non-operational for 15 years due mainly to financial challenges.
“My administration has developed and costed a three-year plan,” Dr. Moilinga said. “Although we are currently constrained by limited funds, we are working on a master plan for 2025-2035 with an implementation matrix and timelines.”
He added that with encouragement from Eastern Equatoria’s governor and government, the university is reopening this September.
“We are announcing to the public and potential applicants that application forms for direct intake for short courses and diploma programs are now available for the 2025-2026 academic year. Interested candidates can obtain forms from our offices at Torit Technical School during working hours starting next week. We are also preparing to advertise and publish course details,” Dr. Moilinga said.
He also noted plans to distribute application forms to other towns in the state, including Kapoeta, Nimule, and Magwi, though logistics remain a challenge.
Local residents welcomed the announcement.
Ohucholi Patrick Oromo, a youth from Eastern Equatoria, said the move would save young people and working adults from traveling long distances for higher education.
“This is a great milestone for our state. Many youths will now access education locally, which is a huge opportunity,” he said. “I encourage everyone to apply and become pioneers and ambassadors of this university.”
Elizabeth Attafiano, a mother in Torit, expressed happiness at the university’s reopening.
“This is a blessing for our state and will benefit the future generations. I encourage our people to study hard and make the most of this opportunity,” she said.
Suzan Obelle Kanuto, another resident, said the university would broaden educational opportunities.
“The youth have been stressed because of limited options. This will bring new fields of study, creativity, and entrepreneurial ideas,” she said.
Torit University was established following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005. It officially came into being after a presidential decree by former Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir on April 18, 2010, under the University Act of 2010.
The university was set up as an autonomous, publicly funded institution with its own legal identity. In May 2010, Professor Victor Lako Kwajok was appointed its first vice chancellor, serving briefly before moving to Bahr el Ghazal University. He was succeeded by Dr. Adam Cholong Ohiri, before the current vice chancellor, Dr. Moilinga, took office.