By Chol D. Johnson/Lodu William Odiya
The government has vowed to revive the economy and create more job opportunities for graduates.
On Saturday more than 2800 students from various colleges graduated with bachelor degrees, diplomas, master degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and PhDs.
Josephine Lagu Joseph, Vice President (VP) and chairperson of the service cluster, made the vow over the weekend during the 27th graduation ceremony at the University of Juba.
She read out the statement from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is also the chancellor of University of Juba as well as other the public universities.
VP Lagu reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring more jobs are created in order to accommodate the graduates and employ more young people.
Despite economic hardship, the vice president expressed optimism that strategies have been put in place to improve the economy that could result in more job creation.
“I wish our graduates all the best in their lives, and I want to assure you that the government is working hard to revive the economy, to create jobs and economic opportunities,” she said.
VP Lagu encouraged the new graduates to embrace innovation and learning in order to learn more and gain more knowledge and skills.
“I’m encouraging you to continue learning and developing yourselves. You have worked hard and finally achieved your goals. I’m proud of you all,” she said.
Lagu emphasized that in order to build the great nation, there is a need for doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, teachers, and other professionals, citing that the government remains committed to improving higher education.
“I am affirming my commitment to improving higher education in South Sudan, and I want our public universities to become great,” she said.
She appreciated the leadership and administration of the University of Juba for their hard work and commitment to our students.
On his part, Kuol Manyang Juuk, the senior presidential advisor, encouraged lecturers and professors to continue with the national duty of giving knowledge for the development of the country.
“To professors of the university, lecturers, and administrators, congratulations for achieving this level of development, and I’m encouraging you to continue with your national duties as you chose to lecture and give your knowledge to whoever needs it,” he encouraged.
Several government officials who attended the event echoed the president’s message, emphasizing that youth empowerment remains central to South Sudan’s long-term stability and development.
The graduation ceremony brought together hundreds of students from various disciplines, many expressing hope that the government’s renewed commitment will translate into real opportunities.
Earlier this year the former commissioner of Lainya County in Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Khamis, urged the government to retire older officials to pave the way for fresh graduates.
“Senior citizens,” those of retirement age, generally from 65 years and above, are continuing to hold office, even though the official retirement age in South Sudan is 65.
Officials are emphasizing the importance of self-employment, but some members of the public criticize this stance, pointing out that many officials tend to hire their relatives for lucrative positions in the country.
This practice leaves qualified graduates without job opportunities due to a lack of connections.
While some government institutions publicly advertise job openings, others recruit and appoint candidates at their discretion.
Notably, Minister of Finance Dr. Barnaba Bak Chol also acknowledged the issue of overemployment.
While the Transitional Constitution 2011 (Section 84(1)) mandates retirement at 65 for civil servants, and the Pension Fund Act, 2012 (sections 6(1), 8(d), & 9(1)) provides for a pension fund, many officials above this age remain in their positions.
This situation persists even though South Sudan launched its first pension payments in 2019, raising questions about the availability of funds and the enforcement of retirement regulations.