South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Governor of Jonglei State, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Debre Tabor University (DTU) in neighbouring Ethiopia, securing full scholarships for 100 students—80 for undergraduate and 20 for postgraduate studies—from Jonglei State.
“The scholarship initiative is designed to cover the beneficiaries’ school charges and is part of Jonglei State’s broader vision to foster intellectual growth and sustainable development,” said Kok last week during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Debre Tabor University.
Kok reiterated the importance of prioritising intellectual empowerment as a cornerstone of leadership and pledged to continue support for the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students’ Union, emphasising that no capable and willing individual should be denied education due to financial barriers. The meeting featured meaningful discussions on the challenges faced by undergraduate and postgraduate students and the strategic role of education in societal advancement.
Dr. Meaberu Teshome Zeleke, the Vice President for Academic and Research Affairs at Debre Tabor University, stated that they awarded scholarships to 100 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Jonglei State. “The Memorandum of Understanding is a demonstration of commitment to academic empowerment and human capital development,” Zeleke said.
Dr. Zeleke expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, commending Kok’s visionary leadership and adding that undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships represent a strategic investment in the state’s intellectual and socio-economic future.
This initiative not only alleviates financial burdens but also reaffirms Kok’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders, scholars, and innovators in Jonglei State.
