John Garang University to investigate closure of Student Union
By Mamer A. Deng
June 7, 2012 (BOR) – The University Senate of the Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology in Bor formed a five-member committee on Wednesday to investigate the circumstances that prompted the dean of students to halt a Student Union election and dissolved the body.
The committee, headed by deputy vice chancellor Prof. Melha Rout Biel, will report it findings to Vice Chancellor Prof. Agrey Ayuen on Friday when the final solution to the stand—off between the students and the dean of students will be decided, sources that attended the senate meeting on Wednesday told Sudan Tribune.
The student’s interim leader, Gai Chol Paul, who was invited to the senate meeting said he remained optimistic that an amicable solution is possible and called for calm among the students.
“I am sure we shall resolve this problem because … without the system of students ruling, I think it will be very hard to handle the students’ issues,” Chol said.
Dean of students, Majok Kelei stopped a Student Union election taking place on Tuesday, saying that some electoral rules were inconsistent with the Act of University. The method of registration for eligible of students to vote in the election was wrong, according to Kelei, who said he would prefer that the Student Union’s election commission to use the list from the office of registrar.
The decision to close the Student Union caused outrage on campus as some students claim that their democratic learning and rights were being hijacked.
“In university, you are taught good leadership that is being democratic,” a student preferring anonymity said on Wednesday.
“If we can not show that at this level, then where are we going to show it?” the student queried.
John Garang University is attempting to avoid the tensions between students like those witnessed in recently months at the University of Juba that led to violence between tribal groups and the brief closure of the university.
Averting the protests is high on the priorities of the university, an administrative source said.
(ST)