The US Government has awarded six scholarships to graduate students from the University of Juba for further studies in the field of agricultural studies in Virginia Tech University.

They are four lecturers who will be going for doctorate and two teaching assistants for Masters’ degree programs.

They will leave for the United States on Sunday.

The US Ambassador to South Sudan, Dr. Susan Page, who was speaking during a roundtable discussion with the candidates, said “We are excited that they are off to get their masters and doctorate degrees, we expect great things from them-to help re-build South Sudan.”

Meanwhile, Dr. David Lomeling, an assistant professor at the College of Natural Resources, thanked the US Government for granting the University of Juba the scholarships for its teaching staff.

Dr. Lomeling urged the graduate students to return to the University of Juba after they finish, because there is a “very big mission to accomplish in South Sudan.”

According to Amb. Page, the US embassy also plans to offer more scholarships to South Sudanese graduate students, mainly from Catholic University.