Signboard at the gate of the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal (Photo: Courtesy)

Northern Bahr el Ghazal governor said Thursday the newly built state university has officially opened with the first batch of students already attending lectures.

Tong Akeen Ngor announced the university opening during a back-to-learning campaign in Aweil town. The government-led campaign aims at encouraging the parents to allow girls and boys to access education.

The newly opened State campus commenced registration of the first intake of students in July 2023.

While addressing the campaign rally, Governor Tong revealed that the Colleges of Public Health, Environmental Sciences and Nursing have started the first ever academic semester.

“The University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal is operational, the first admitted students in the College of Public Health and Environmental Sciences and the College of Nursing have started their academic studies in the University compound,” Akeen said.

He acknowledged and appreciated the support and contribution of chiefs, well-wishers and the natives in the diaspora for the establishment of the University.

However, Akeen noted that the university is half-built and urged the state citizens to continue contributing for completion of university.

“This shows that what we have collected from Chiefs, the State workforce and the entire citizens has yielded important milestones in the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

“The remaining part of infrastructure will be shortly, and I urge all the stakeholders and the well-wishers to continue contributing and bring in their helping hands for the success of this university.”

The construction was launched in December 2022 by Governor Akeen in a bid to expand educational services to citizens in the state.

In April this year, the state government raised over 100 million South Sudanese Pounds during a fundraising for the construction of the public university.

The event held in Juba was attended by top government officials, businessmen, and other people of goodwill.

During the event, President Salva Kiir pledged 40 million pounds, while his security advisor Tut Gatluak gave away 4 million pounds and Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi reportedly contributed unspecified amount.

Former Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny, and another presidential are also said to have contributed three million pounds each.