John Garang institute starts degree program

By Philip Thon Aleu

October 2, 2008 (BOR) – Lectures begin at John Garang Institute of Science and Technology in Bor on Wednesday after government and affiliated European university reached a consensus. Institute officials say lessons will never be interrupted again.

The institute, according to the amended agreement, is divided into two; branch of Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) and another one supported by the government of Southern Sudan (with the name).

The institutes will co-exist at the same campus, dean of students David Malual Wuor revealed on Wednesday. However, the government own institute’s enrolment remain unclear though next year has been widely speculated for the commencement. Government of Southern Sudan has already passed 3 millions Sudanese pounds (6 million USD) in support for her institute.

Director of John Garang Institute branch of ULIM told Sudan Tribune that, government allowed ULIM to own a private institution here and will support the registration process.

“We are going to apply for legal existence through GoSS ministry of education to the federal ministry of higher Education,” Bordeian Aurel, the director of the operating institute told Sudan Tribune at the Institute Wednesday.

Ahned Baloul, an official from the Moldovian ULIM welcomed Jonglei decision to allow ULIM’s branch. “We are very thankful to the government for allowing us a branch here and it will never stop again,” he affirmed.

Lectures never commenced on September 15 as scheduled earlier due to lecturers’ delay to come to Bor sparked by presidential decree that does not affiliate the Institute to ULIM.

On the other hand, Aurel warned that the institute operation would be swinging tough by financial support after October. He said ASCOM Oil Company, in an agreement with Jonglei state, sponsored 40 students but supplied for 103 students (total enrolment so far) for the access course and had agreed to do so until November.

Aurel expressed concern about the sponsorship 63 students.

“This is a serious problem… thus ULIM is ready to organize studies for all students,” he said. He notifies that any change in policy between ASCOM and government will automatically be felt at the institute.

“If ASCOM go, there is no possibility to stay but if we find good support, we can stay,” he asserted.

Talks are in progress between ASCOM and Jonglei government for the remaining 63 students. A source from negotiations told Sudan Tribune the deal is very close.

Ascom failed to find oil in two drilling operations in Joglei Satet, the Moldavian firm has started last September drilling a third oil well. The oil firm works on a portion of block 5B, covering more than 20,000 square km, where it begun drilling in January 2008.

(ST)