South Sudan Kiir: Issues Defence University Directive for Juba

• President Salva Kiir has directed the establishment of a specialized university in Juba focusing on defence, security, and strategic studies.
• The National Council for Higher Education is tasked with formal approval and incorporation, requiring detailed institutional and curriculum plans.
• The university aims to enhance the professional capabilities and operational readiness of South Sudan's armed forces.
• The Ministry of Finance is ordered to provide start-up and operational funding, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek international support.
• Key details like specific admission criteria, civilian student access, and an opening date remain unspecified.

The envisioned university is designed to fulfill several critical functions, encompassing academic instruction, scientific research, and community outreach.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan has issued a presidential directive initiating the establishment of a specialized university in Juba. This new institution will focus on defence, security, and strategic studies. The order, broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Wednesday evening, specifically instructs the National Council for Higher Education, working through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, to commence the formal approval and incorporation procedures for this proposed national defense university.

The directive also outlines immediate logistical and financial actions. President Kiir, who is slated to become the university's chancellor, has mandated the Ministry of Finance and Planning to provide an initial start-up grant and secure a recurring operational budget for the new entity. Concurrently, the government has been tasked with coordinating essential preparations, including land allocation, security clearances, and infrastructure development within the capital city, Juba, to facilitate the university's foundation.

The envisioned university is designed to fulfill several critical functions, encompassing academic instruction, scientific research, and community outreach. Its curriculum will feature specialized programs across various disciplines, including defence, security, strategic studies, science and technology, and hazard management. A primary objective of the institution is to enhance the professional capabilities and operational readiness of South Sudan's armed forces, thereby contributing to national security.

Beyond its core academic offerings, the university aims to be a hub for advanced learning and practical application in areas vital for national development and stability. While the directive clearly outlines these broad goals, specific details regarding admission requirements, the full scope of academic programs, staffing plans, and an anticipated opening date are yet to be released. It also remains unclarified whether the university will exclusively serve military and security personnel or if it will extend admission to civilian students.

For the university to become operational, it must undergo a rigorous process of statutory approval and accreditation from the National Council for Higher Education. As part of this process, the Ministry of Higher Education and the university's interim administration are required to submit a comprehensive institutional plan, detailed academic curricula, and an assessment of its infrastructure capacity. Furthermore, the directive calls for the appointment of interim administrative leadership and the drafting of a university charter, which will then be presented to the higher education council for review.

The financial blueprint for the university involves both domestic and international efforts. While the Ministry of Finance and Planning is responsible for initial and ongoing funding, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with the higher education ministry, is tasked with engaging international development partners and bilateral education programs. This outreach aims to secure additional funding specifically for the development of the university campus. Notably, the directive does not specify the exact amount of funding required, the total projected cost for establishing the campus, or a timeline for when the university is expected to commence its operations.

This initiative by President Kiir aligns with South Sudan's ongoing efforts to expand its higher education sector. The establishment of another public university, however, prompts important considerations regarding the government's overall financing priorities and the allocation of resources to existing educational institutions across the country. The directive does not explicitly detail how this new specialized university will integrate into South Sudan's current higher education system, raising questions about potential overlaps or synergies.

The legal foundation for this directive is rooted in Article 29 of South Sudan's Transitional Constitution, which champions the promotion and expansion of access to higher education. Additionally, the Higher Education Act 2012 provides the framework, outlining the respective roles of the President and the National Council for Higher Education in such matters. Despite this legal backing, the absence of specifics on student demographics, detailed academic offerings, and operational timelines leaves several key aspects of the university's future development open for further clarification.

Lawyers advising educational institutions, international development partners, or those involved in public procurement in South Sudan should monitor the development of this new university for potential partnership opportunities, regulatory requirements, and procurement tenders related to its establishment and operation.

Source: Original reporting via government directive