University of Juba 2026 priorities: welfare first
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, Prof John Akech, says improving staff benefits and student welfare will be his administration’s central priorities for 2026 (Eye Radio).
In a New Year’s message addressed to the university community, Prof Akech framed the agenda around stronger campus services and faster institutional development, presenting it as a practical roadmap for day-to-day learning and work conditions (Eye Radio).
Staff benefits: compensation, incentives and medical insurance
Prof Akech said the university plans to improve compensation packages, including allowances and incentives, alongside what he described as comprehensive medical insurance for staff (Eye Radio).
He presented the measures as part of a wider welfare approach, linking staff wellbeing to performance and institutional stability, while keeping the focus on deliverable administrative changes rather than broad political commentary (Eye Radio).
Student welfare: accommodation, health services and safer learning
On student welfare, Prof Akech pledged expanded access to affordable accommodation, upgraded health services, and safer, more conducive learning environments (Eye Radio).
The message positioned student support as a core service issue, suggesting that improvements in housing and health provision are intended to reduce avoidable barriers to study and strengthen the overall campus experience (Eye Radio).
Campus services: sanitation, water, electricity and internet
The vice chancellor also said the university will address poor sanitation and waste management on campus, alongside measures to ensure access to clean water (Eye Radio).
He added that restoring reliable electricity and internet connectivity is part of the plan, reflecting the central role of utilities in both academic delivery and everyday campus safety and comfort (Eye Radio).
Digital transformation: student portal, e-results and online admissions
Prof Akech announced plans to advance digital services, including a fully digitised student portal, electronic results processing, and online admissions systems (Eye Radio).
He said the shift is intended to improve efficiency and accessibility for both students and staff, in line with a broader trend in African higher education toward service digitisation and reduced administrative delays (Eye Radio).
Leadership timeline: reshuffle, replacement and reappointment
Prof Akech returned to the University of Juba last year following his reappointment, according to the same report (Eye Radio).
Eye Radio reported that in March 2024 he was relieved of his duties during a leadership reshuffle at public universities ordered by President Salva Kiir, and was replaced by Professor Robert Mayom Kuoirot Deng before being reappointed last year (Eye Radio).
Outlook for 2026: implementation and institutional development
The pledges outline a 2026 programme focused on measurable campus outcomes, from welfare packages to utilities and digitised administration (Eye Radio).
For students and staff, the credibility of the agenda will likely rest on implementation pace and consistency, particularly in service areas that directly shape learning time, staff retention and the university’s operational reliability (Eye Radio).