Upper Nile University, one of South Sudan’s public universities, says it has completed most preparations to resume teaching at its Human Resource Development College in Malakal, more than a decade after conflict disrupted its operations there.
Classes are due to begin in the first week of October for the 2026-27 academic year, according to Isaac Deng Akuei, director of the university’s Human Resource Development College.
Akuei told Radio Tamazuj on Saturday that lecture halls, textbook and teaching staff were ready at the university’s main campus in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State.
The university began admitting students for diploma courses in February. So far, 92 students have been admitted, Akuei said.
“Human Resource Development is the college that runs and offers diplomas at the University of Upper Nile. The first batch is in Juba because the college was relocated to Juba because of the war,” he said.
The university was originally based in Malakal but moved operations to Juba after conflict broke out in South Sudan in December 2013.
Akuei said plans to return the university’s operations fully to Malakal had faced difficulties, but the institution had decided to resume diploma courses there to give local students access to higher education.
“The plan that is in place now is to ensure our sons and daughters in Malakal who want to join higher education get their education in Malakal,” he said.
The university is still working to secure student accommodation. Some of its dormitories are occupied by members of the organised forces, according to Akuei.
He said the university is working with the Upper Nile state government to have the facilities vacated and prepared for students.
The university is also working with other stakeholders to address shortages of water and electricity, he added.
Registration and orientation are due to begin on Monday. Students who missed the initial application deadline will be allowed to apply directly through the university, Akuei said.
The college will initially offer seven diploma courses: public administration, computer science, rural development, accounting, business administration, secretarial and office management, and family science.
Most tuition fees will not exceed 1.5 million South Sudanese pounds, Akuei said, acknowledging the financial difficulties faced by many families.
“We want students to take advantage of this opportunity to resume their studies at the university in the state,” he said.
Residents welcome return
Residents in Malakal have welcomed the move, saying it could give young people greater access to higher education after years of disruption.
Aban Kwang, a resident of Upper Nile State, said many young people had lost opportunities to pursue higher education because of the conflict.
“Many young people lost opportunities to pursue higher education during the years of conflict,” he said.
Another resident, Teresa Ojok, said the return of the university could expand educational opportunities and contribute to social and economic development.
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