By Riak Chol

Jonglei State government said it has secured 100 scholarship through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Debre Tabor University (DTU) in Ethiopia.

The signed MoU provides full scholarships for 100 students from Jonglei annually. This ground-breaking agreement, announced Wednesday, aims to significantly boost access to quality higher education for the state’s youth.

The scholarship program will allocate 80 slots for undergraduate studies and 20 for postgraduate programs each academic year, offering a vital pathway for students to pursue their academic aspirations without the burden of tuition fees and related expenses.

The formalization of the agreement took place during a courtesy call by Dr. Meaberu Teshome Zeleke, Vice President for Academic and Research Affairs at Debre Tabor University, to Governor Dr Riek Gai Kok in Juba.

Both parties emphasized that this initiative stems from a shared commitment to fostering intellectual growth and sustainable development through robust educational opportunities.

Dr. Zeleke thanked Governor Riek for his visionary leadership, highlighting that investing in higher education is a direct investment in the future prosperity of Jonglei State.

“This initiative opens a vital reservoir of knowledge and potential to the young people in Jonglei state who are aiming to advance their studies,” said Dr. Zeleke.

Meanwhile, Governor Gai underscored the scholarships as a cornerstone of his broader strategy to empower young people and cultivate a skilled and knowledgeable workforce essential for driving Jonglei State’s socio-economic advancement.

 He acknowledged the financial challenges many students face and reiterated his dedication to removing these barriers through education.

“This MoU signed today will help the young people who are finishing their studies in Jonglei State. It will help in creating professional health personnel,” said Dr. Gai.  

The governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to prioritizing education as the bedrock for effective leadership and sustainable development.

He said no capable and motivated student would be denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints.