By James Innocent
First Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga, together with Central Equatoria State authorities, has laid the foundation stone for the University of Yei during his visit to Yei River County.
The ceremony brought together state and county officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, students, youth representatives and members of the local community, who welcomed the proposed university as an opportunity to expand access to higher education in the area.
Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony commended First Vice President Wani Igga for witnessing the foundation-laying ceremony and thanked the national government for supporting the establishment of the University of Yei.
Governor Adil also commended Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo for allocating land for the proposed university.
He called for continued peace among the people of Yei, saying the county has been recognised for its efforts toward peace and stability.
The governor further said the state government plans to renovate some schools in Yei River County and assured residents that teachers’ salaries would be paid. He said responsibility for rehabilitating schools and health facilities would involve both the government and parent-teacher associations.
Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo said the land title for the University of Yei is ready, describing the availability of land as an important step toward establishing the institution.
He commended President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President James Wani Igga for supporting the initiative and participating in the laying of the foundation stone.
Religious leaders also welcomed the project.
Emeritus Bishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Hillary Adeba, described the foundation-laying ceremony as a significant moment and said the project had received God’s blessing. He also commended the national government for recommending the establishment of the University of Yei.
Archbishop Elias Taban Ade Parangi described the occasion as remarkable, saying it reminded him of the universities and higher-learning institutions already operating in Yei.
He urged residents of Yei River County to prioritise lasting peace and called on citizens to continue praying for unity among the country’s leaders.
Students also used the occasion to appeal for greater investment in education.
Lucy Kanyonga, a student at Emmanuel Model Senior Secondary School, called on South Sudanese leaders to work together to create greater opportunities for young people to access education.
She urged the national government to support girls’ education through scholarships and other forms of assistance for young people in Yei.
Yei River County Youth Leader Gaga Frank raised concerns about unemployment among young people, calling for increased investment in youth engagement and employment opportunities.
He also urged the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of the Yei-Juba road, saying improved road connectivity would support trade and economic development.
Paramount Chief of Yei River County Joseph Brown Lomose similarly appealed to the First Vice President to support efforts to improve the Yei-Juba road.
He also called for greater continuity in leadership, arguing that frequent changes in leadership can disrupt development programmes.
Daniel Lokoroto, a member of the Central Equatoria State Legislative Assembly representing Yei, appealed for additional resources to rehabilitate health facilities and strengthen the education sector in the county.
He commended Commissioner Malimbo for what he described as efforts to improve security and development in Yei River County.
The governor also thanked the people of Yei for welcoming him during his county tour and encouraged residents to maintain peace and unity.
The proposed University of Yei is expected by local leaders and residents to expand access to higher education and create new opportunities for young people in the region.
However, its establishment and eventual operation will depend on continued government commitment, resources, infrastructure development, and institutional planning.