Upper Nile University and Premium Agro Consult have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen agricultural education through practical training, research, innovation and digital agriculture

Upper Nile University has announced plans to overhaul its agricultural curriculum, shifting from traditional academic instruction toward practical, business-focused training designed to prepare graduates for entrepreneurship rather than reliance on public sector employment.

To drive this reform, the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Premium Agro Consult. The partnership focuses on upgrading hands-on agricultural training, applied research, innovation, and digital farming technologies across South Sudan.

University leadership noted that declining enrollment in the Faculty of Agriculture stems partly from an outdated curriculum that historically trained students primarily for civil service roles. The revised framework aims to position agriculture as a viable commercial venture, encouraging students to launch their own agribusinesses upon graduation.

Under the agreement, Premium Agro Consult will support curriculum design, provide industry certification aligned with local market needs, and offer practical exposure through active demonstration farms.

Upper Nile University Vice-Chancellor Mamour Choul Turuk highlighted operational constraints currently facing the institution following its relocation to Juba, particularly the lack of dedicated laboratory facilities and field space.

To mitigate these infrastructure gaps, the university is seeking access to two Ministry of Agriculture laboratories in Luri—specifically facilities dedicated to seed technology and plant pathology—to ensure senior students complete required practical coursework.

The collaboration will also introduce digital agriculture initiatives, leveraging mobile technology to deliver real-time data on climate patterns, record-keeping, and field management directly to farmers.

Ayiga Festo Amunda, Board Chair of Premium Agro Consult, emphasized that digital extension services provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional outreach methods, allowing smallholder farmers in remote areas to access critical technical advice via mobile phones.

University officials stated that integrating modern irrigation techniques and digital tools will strengthen national climate resilience, elevate local food production, and support South Sudan’s long-term transition from a net food importer to an agricultural exporter.