By Aguok Chok

Principal of the Graduate College at the University of Juba, Prof. Dr. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, has condemned the culture of favoritism and lobbying that dominates appointments in government and institutions in the country.

The principal spoke at farewell ceremony of the MBA Human Resource Management students on Friday, themed: “From Class to Boardrooms”.

“The procedure used by people to get into government people go through lobbying. And even when we are looking for a lion, we end up choosing a cat to take the lion’s place,” Prof Kuol said.

“And because they know it’s a cat, they begin running around pretending it’s a lion. And in that process, they end up with someone who is killing everybody.”

Prof Kuol emphasized on the need for institutions and individuals to value competence and authenticity over connections.

“If you’re given an opportunity, give respect to where you belong. Because its other people today, and it will be you tomorrow. If others got it, you will also get what you’re looking for.”

According to him, the metaphor of the cat pretending to be a lion is not just humorous—it exposes the real cost of misplaced leadership and highlights the danger of incompetence disguised in power.

 Prof. Kuol urged the students to rise above mediocrity and entitlement. “When people block opportunities, don’t block your own mind. And don’t carry that pain in your heart,” he said, sharing his own experience of being denied part-time teaching opportunities only to later become Dean over those who once rejected him.

He reminded graduates that professionalism is not about knowing theory alone but about connecting knowledge with real-life situations.

Using the River Nile as a symbol, he said, “Inside this Nile, people throw different kinds of bottles—it is dirty… but with all those bad things, anybody who does not know all these things—we can still come and appreciate the Nile and draw water from it.”

Meanwhile, Odom Thomas, the class coordinator, also echoed this spirit of transformation and encouragement.

“Lift as you climb,” he said, encouraging graduates not to forget their peers once they succeed.

He challenged them to extend support and mentorship, reminding them that “The true measure of leadership is not in how high you raise, but in how many you bring with you.”

In his five-point exit message, Odom urged his fellow graduates to stay committed to lifelong learning, reject jealousy, embrace technical and practical HR knowledge, and believe in themselves. He warned that theoretical degrees without technological and software skills would no longer guarantee relevance or employment in the HR field.

In a heartfelt plea, Odom called on the university leadership to absorb graduates who are qualified into the university workforce.

“Don’t confuse your child,” he said, referring to the need to nurture, trust, and employ the very students the university has trained.