University of Juba western gate. (Photo: UoJ Official/Facebook).

Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, Professor John Akec attributed his successful transformation of the institution to his lengthy term in office.

From infrastructural development to increased number of students of academic staff, Professor Akec outlined some of his success stories during his 10-year tenure as vice chancellor.

According to him, the number of academic staff from 291 when he was appointed to the current 1,200, while the students’ number has jumped from around 10,000 to a staggering 40,000 over the last decade.

The renowned professor, who was relieved by President Salva Kiir on March 8, 2024, said he couldn’t have attained the transformation at the institution if he had been removed early.

Professor Akec commended the head-of-state for giving him enough time to work and stressed the need for government officials, especially undersecretaries, to be given longer term and budget to accomplish their reform policies.

“One of my successes here is (job) stability. I was given enough time to work, and I was protected. I could have been changed even before I finish my first term, but the president insisted that this progress should not be trapped,” he said.

“I think this example need go to the civil servants, especially the Undersecretaries. They need to be professionally recruited and well rewarded and protected from Political interference whether by the Ministers or any interested party.”

“People need to be given their time and the budget, time alone you can sit on the chair for another ten years and nothing happens.”

President Kiir appointed Professor Robert Mayom Kuoirot as Akec’s replacement in a major reshuffle that also sacked vice chancellors of the other four public universities.

Tributes poured in from the public appreciating him for transforming the campus over the years.

University of Juba is the number one advanced learning institution in South Sudan, although it misses out in the list of top 200 universities in Africa.

It currently ranks 372nd in the continent.