By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
TORIT, 27 August 2010 (Gurtong) – On Friday last week, three representatives of the association presented their plea to the Eastern Equatoria State acting Governor Nartisio Loluke Manir.
The JUEESSA’s chairperson Obed Joseph Okello, his deputy Johnson Severino Omojo and the secretary Obwor Peter Severino pleaded for assistance on behalf of the students.
“Your Excellency, it has never been easy for the association to carry out some of its activities stated in the constitution due to lack of funds”, their letter reads.
They revealed some of problems the body continues to face at the campus such as lack of printing and photocopying services, stationery as well as difficulties in accessing sporting equipment.
They also decried the poor health conditions as well as lack of drugs at the institution.
Among the academic requirements sought by the association from their state administration is the establishment of state library at the state capital Torit for students undertaking studies in Juba University including those from other universities in the country to use especially during holidays.
The association also appealed to the government to help students who also work with the state government as civil servants to receive salaries while studying at the university after getting admission.
The letter also extended an appeal to the state Government to support Sudan school certificate students facing school fees problems through scholarships.
In his turn, the acting Governor Manir, who is also the Deputy Governor and State Minister of Local Government Law Enforcement, appreciated the students’ efforts to organise themselves and bring forward their grievances.
He pledged to forward their case to the State Governor for further action.
“I want to make it clear that any state youthful civil servant working who previously got admitted to any university in the country will be taken care of by the government. But, processes to release them have to be procedurally completed. We as the State Cabinet shall first ask each Director General of a Ministry to identify students who are undertaking studies at universities, compile a list and present to respective ministers so that the ministers can table a memo before the State Council of ministers for action”, said Manir.
He assured the students that the government relies on them as future leaders of the state.