Mobile operator MTN is collaborating with the University of Juba, the Dr John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, and the Rumbek University of Science and Technology to recruit, develop, and accelerate ICT skills of 30 students.
The selection from the public universities gives priority to females and the students living with disabilities.
MTN South Sudan CEO Monzer Ali said the initiative represents a significant step towards local talent development, in line with the telco’s belief in supporting the host communities.
“We are signing this important memorandum of understanding with the top three public universities in South Sudan, and this partnership represents a significant step towards fostering local development and talents and empowering the youth to explore and advance careers in technology and ICT. As MTN, we belief in investing in our communities,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Juba, Prof Robert Mayom Deng, reassured of the competence of the students they would send to MTN, stating that the firm would not regret their offer.
“Our role is to identify students with the potential to be referred to the family of MTN. I am sure that their work will be impressive and you will be able to retain them. MTN will achieve diversity and inclusion that build leadership strategies for young talents and we are glad that we are going to sign this MoU,” he said.
The Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA), Napoleon Adok Gai, expressed the need for collaboration between technological partners and institutions of higher learning to create employment for fresh graduates.
“Partnership between technology and institutions of higher learning is a critical foundation for our country. Our universities have been graduating great numbers, majority of them still sadly in the streets because the industries do not have jobs or came with skills that cannot be met locally. Our country needs to align with the training we are giving our young people to meet the market demands. I applaud MTN and call upon other technological partners to give skills development priority,” he said.
Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Gabriel Changson Chang, said the MTN program was crucial for the universities to develop curricular that meet the current competitive job market needs.
“Collaborating with MTN in such an area will encourage the universities to review their curricular to address the market issues,” he added.