The vice president in charge of the service cluster, Gen. Taban Deng Gai, has reiterated his appeal for financial assistance from international partners, particularly the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Bank, to facilitate the renovation of Upper Nile University.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the Electricity Access Project in Juba, Deng emphasized the importance of renovating the university to enable it to return to its original location in Malakal.
Upper Nile University was relocated to Juba in 2014 after being partially destroyed during the 2013 conflict. Since then, the institution has been operating in Juba.
Deng stressed that restoring the university in Malakal would bolster research and development, contributing to peace and progress in the region.
He thanked JICA for previous support, noting that in response to an earlier appeal, the Japanese ambassador mobilized USD 5 million for partial renovations.
Deng urged continued collaboration from JICA and the World Bank to complete the remaining work necessary for the university’s relocation.
“As someone who comes from Upper Nile, I am eager to take the university back to Malakal,” he said, adding that the institution would play a pivotal role in fostering peace and development through research.
The vice president’s renewed call follows a similar plea he made in March 2024, emphasizing the need to prioritize the university’s relocation to Malakal as part of efforts to rebuild and strengthen the region.