State Gift Underlines Commitment to Learning
Governor Louis Lobong has confirmed that the former UNMISS compound in Torit will become the new home of Torit University of Science and Technology.
The decision follows the closure of the UN field office, freeing solid buildings and utilities ideal for a fledgling campus.
Upgrading Infrastructure Without Starting from Scratch
Vice-Chancellor Professor Pasquale Tiberio Moilinga says the compound’s classrooms, dormitories and power links cut years off the construction timetable.
He remains realistic, noting that some equipment disappeared during vacancy, yet calls the site “a blessing we cannot squander”.
Relief for Families and Regional Skills Gap
Students stress that a local campus spares parents expensive travel to Juba or Kampala while allowing part-time work in hometown businesses.
Elizabeth Paska Alphonse believes proximity will especially help young women who juggle childcare and study.
Funding Roadmap and Academic Calendar
In 2025 the state requested SSP 437 million to launch four colleges in the 2025/26 year: Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine and Business Administration.
Officials indicate phased enrolment could begin once essential laboratories and libraries are refurbished, with national ministries expected to co-finance equipment.
Broader Vision of Self-Reliance in Eastern Equatoria
Governor Lobong links campus growth to food security, urging citizens to “cultivate our land” and convert academic research into farming jobs.
Analysts say tying education to agribusiness could anchor youth in Eastern Equatoria, easing pressure on public payrolls.
The handover signals a broader shift from international intervention toward locally driven development in South Sudan’s post-conflict provinces.