Over 100 candidates were awarded certificates, diplomas and degrees during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Emmanuel Christian University (ECU) in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State on Friday.
The awards were in education, theology and business administration.
Speaking during the ceremony, the university Chancellor, Canon George William, encouraged the graduates to use their knowledge to lead meaningful lives and have faith in Jesus Christ since life is full of challenges
“I want you to understand what really matters because sometimes you may have a difficult life. May you always be filled with the spirit of righteousness, the righteous character produced in your life by Christ Jesus,’’ he said.
The graduates’ representative Luate Juatin urged his colleagues to use their knowledge to create opportunities for themselves and others for the development of the country.
“Let us use our accredited expertise, skills, knowledge and experience to create opportunities for others and ourselves for the development of this country,’’ he said.
Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme hinted that Yei was always left out in the award of scholarships allocated the state.
“We are always falling short in the government scholarships, and particularly, the fully-funded programs. I want to beg the ministry of Higher Education to ensure fairness in the award of the fully funded government scholarships,’’ he said.
Central Equatoria State Governor Augustino Jadalla applauded the management of the Emmanuel Christian University for reaching a milestone and urged the students to go out and serve their communities with their knowledge and skills.
“Let me congratulate Emmanuel Christian University for the journey, the steps and the achievements it scored with such an extra ordinary courage. The leadership of the institution has demonstrated resilience to rise to this level. I congratulate and wish you all the best as you go out to pursue your careers.’’
Thousands of people, including government officials, witnessed the graduation ceremony.