In a significant milestone, the Episcopal University of South Sudan celebrated the installation of a new Vice-Chancellor and the official launch of its School of Law at the Bishop Gwynne Campus in Juba on Friday.

The installation ceremony for the new Vice-Chancellor was graced by the presence of the Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, who also serves as the Chancellor of the University.

Archbishop Badi, in an address to reporters during the event, highlighted the University’s commitment to educating South Sudanese youth based on Christian values.

He stated, “Since the year 1945, the Episcopal Church of Sudan established a college for training people in Theology, and that college was Bishop Gwynne College, which has existed for all these years. Today, it is our joy that ECSS has officially launched the School of Law, which we all give thanks to God for. It is our vision that, just as we excel in offering primary and secondary education, we will do the same to provide university education to young South Sudanese so that together we can rebuild this country with Christian values.”

He further revealed that the Ministry of Education had already enlisted over 30 well-qualified students for the Law course at the university and expressed the university’s intention to enrol up to 200 students, a capacity accommodated by its School of Law.

Archbishop Badi also emphasized the Episcopal University’s reach, with branches in Kajo-Keji in Central Equatoria, Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Maridi, and Juba, boasting a total of 619 registered students.

Additionally, he mentioned the acquisition of land in Rokon Payam for the construction of the main university campus, stating, “Our plan for the future is to open the main campus at Rokon, for which we have acquired four square kilometres of land. We will establish more schools, including business and education, to fulfill the needs of South Sudanese youth and contribute to preparing the younger generation to lead this country and Africa with Christian values.”

In her remarks, Prof. Eva Maria John, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Episcopal University, emphasized their commitment to delivering high-quality higher education aimed at fostering peace in the nation.

She stated, “Our priority now and always has been to build a university of very high international standards with a strong and distinct Christian character. This university will play a pivotal role in building peace through higher education in this country. It will equip young people with the skills they need to contribute to the nation-building process while promoting unity among students from diverse backgrounds.”