President reshuffles the leaders of five public universities

In a major leadership shake-up, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who also serves as the chancellor of all public universities, has reshuffled the vice-chancellors and their deputies at the helm of the country’s five public institutions.

The new appointments at the universities of Juba, Upper Nile, Bahr el Ghazal as well as Rumbek University of Science and Technology and Dr John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology were outlined in a series of presidential decrees announced on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation earlier in March. Kiir did not cite reasons for the changes.

Who is replacing whom

In his first decree, Kiir replaced Professor John Akec as the vice-chancellor of the University of Juba with Professor Robert Mayom Deng Kuirot. Akec, who led the institution for a decade, was the longest-serving vice-chancellor of the University of Juba since its establishment in 1975.

In another decree, Kiir named Professor Mamur Chuol Turuk as the new vice-chancellor of the University of Upper Nile, replacing Professor Marial Awou Yol, who died while undergoing medical treatment in India in September 2023.

Kiir also dismissed Professor Victor Loku as the vice-chancellor of the University of Bahr el Ghazal and replaced him with Professor Ernesto Bernado Jada.

The president then named Professor Rose Ajak as the new deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs of the University of Bahr el Ghazal.

Professor Rose Ajak replaces Professor Kuel Maluil Jok, who transitions to the role of deputy vice-chancellor for administration and finance at the university.

Furthermore, Kiir appointed Professor Joshua Otor Akol as the new vice-chancellor of Rumbek University of Science and Technology, replacing Professor Deng Manasseh. Kiir then appointed Professor Pauline Riak as the new deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs.

At Dr John Garang Memorial University, Kiir named Professor Abraham Matoch Dhal as the new vice-chancellor. Kiir also named Professor Hawa Morgan, a former deputy vice-chancellor, as the new deputy vice-chancellor for administration and finance.

Professor Hawa will also maintain her previous responsibilities at the University of Bhar El Ghazal. Kiir also appointed Professor Pauline Riak as the new deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs.

Change of guard

Speaking to University World News, Professor John Akec, the vice-chancellor of the University of Juba, said the announcement came as a surprise. He added: “I knew my two terms’ tenure had elapsed in January 2024.

“The law says that a vice-chancellor can only serve two terms at a single university [four + four years]. I have been at the helm of University of Juba for 10 years, [March 2014 to March 2024]. That is unprecedented.

“The government was not clear if my term would be extended – contrary to what the law says.

“But I feel a sense of relief because 10 years is a long time to spend on one job. It is the right time to move on and do other things,” he pointed out, thanking the president for the trust placed in him as vice-chancellor.

Asked about the impact of the decision on universities, Akec said: “Like any change, there are risks and opportunities. For the University of Juba, the new vice-chancellor and his team have what it takes to take the University of Juba to the next level.

“Life is too short to spend at one position and it is the right time for me to do other things while I still have energy and to give other colleagues with fresh ideas to have a turn to lead and build on my legacy,” Akec concluded.

In a media statement posted on the official page of the University of Juba, the following appeared: “Thank you, Professor John Akec Apuruot, for the innovation, devotion, leadership and passion you have put into this great institution to get it where it is now. You will always be regarded as an icon who inspired us and achieved great things. Best wishes in your next endeavours.”