The statement came after the vice president for service Cluster, Josephine Joseph Lagu ordered for the closure of the tribal based associations from operating in the universities

By Chuol Chanyong

The Acting Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Juba, Dr. Adam Choloug Ohiri, said the twenty-two officially recognized students’ associations must remain strictly non-tribal.

He said they are aware of the existence of off-campus ethnic groups but warned that allowing them to operate within the institution risks fostering division in a nation that is home to 64 ethnic groups.

“We look at the tribes-based associations as they can bring unnecessary issues; they may divide people and bring disunity, and the university is not a place of fighting is a place for research and studies.”

“We want students to leave here with a spirit of cooperation, not division.”  

The statement came after the vice president for service Cluster, Josephine Joseph Lagu ordered for the closure of the tribal based associations from operating in the universities

However, Dr. Ohiri said associations were non-existent in the campus

He urged students to embrace a pan-South Sudanese identity, suggesting cross-cultural initiatives like inter-state volunteer programs during holidays.

“Students could even have group visit to different place where you can find groups of students from different backgrounds visiting, for example, Rumbek or Malakal or Yambio and spent time there and volunteer teaching or doing some practice about what they learned here,” he explained.

“For example, journalism, education and agriculture students have so many places where they can practice their knowledge and that should be happening every holidays.”

Meanwhile, Wilfred Riak, a business management student at the University of Juba, instead supported the idea of tribal associations as vehicles for cultural pride.

“I support this tribal association because it encourages the culture where we come from It doesn’t mean it brings disunity among ourselves as the young generation of this nation. If we come together through these cultures, it will make the nation richer,” he argued.  

But many others, including pharmaceutical students like Sande Charity Rajab and Rebecca Agum, warned that on-campus tribal groups deepen divides.

“If I am in a Bari-speaking association, I might never interact with someone from Dinka or Nuer tribes. It narrows your world,” said Charity.

She highlighted that language barriers and academic isolation exist, noting that students who rely on tribal networks often struggle to seek help outside their groups.  

Rebecca Agum echoed these fears, stressing that universities should be melting pots. “How can I learn about Murle or Lutuko cultures if we’re separated? We need to be one,” she said. Both students criticized tribal associations for reinforcing cliques and undermining collaboration.  

“Students could even have group visit to different place where you can find groups of students from different backgrounds visiting, for example, Rumbek or Malakal or Yambio,” acting Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Juba, Dr. Adam Choloug Ohiri, said.