Sudan’s Jonglei Governor calls on donors to support John Garang Institute
September 14, 2007 (BOR, Jonglei state) — The Governor of Jonglei state, Brig. Gen. Philip Thon Leek, has called upon donors to contribute to the establishment of Dr John Garang Institute of Science and Technology three miles from Bor.
The project aims to initiate the formation of qualified human resources for the future exploitation of the vast natural resources available in the State such as petroleum, wildlife, fisheries, livestock, agriculture and water resources.
In a statement sent to Sudan Tribune, the governor announced that Garang’s institute will open on 9 January 2008.
“The Institute was initiated in 2005 by the State government to lay foundations for socio-economic development by beginning to produce the required human resources in sufficient quantity and quality which is aimed at supporting the future utilization of the vast natural resources available in the State such as petroleum, wildlife, fisheries, livestock, agriculture and water resources.” The governor said.
The First Vice President and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, laid foundation stone of the institute on 26 February 2007during his visit to Jonglei State and pledged support for the establishment of the Institute.
The Jonglei state and the Moldovan firm ASCOM Sudd Ltd., one of the companies prospecting for oil in Jonglei State, agreed to install the institute’s physical infrastructures – lecture halls, hostels, offices, laboratories and other amenities using prefabricated materials.
The construction work is expected to be completed by late November to mid December 2007 and the Institute will be opened on 9th January 2008 to mark the third CPA anniversary celebrations.
The International University of Moldovia, Chisinou (IUMC) in a separate agreement with ASCOM Sudd Ltd and the State government, is to provide lecturers, books, laboratory equipments and other teaching aids and facilities.
“This is in part to solve the problems facing us in sending to Moldovia 40 students who were offered scholarships by ASCOM Sudd Ltd in 2006. According to the arrangements with IUMC, the JGMIST, though an institute, will award basic degrees, diplomas and certificates in disciplines ranging from health sciences, engineering, veterinary, agriculture to economics, management and other humanities on the accreditation from IUMC and based on European Union Standards.”
Pending the formation of a board to manage the JGMIST, a Steering Committee chaired by Governor of Jonglei State, and membership of Deputy President of ASCOM Sudd Ltd., Rector IUMC, State ministers of Education and Physical Infrastructure has been formed.
“I take this opportunity to plead for further support from all our well wishers and to thank all who have pledged support and special thanks goes to ASCOM Sudd Ltd. and IUMC for enabling us let the ball role. “ The governor concluded.
(ST)