AZU University Celebrates Inaugural Graduation Ceremony
Africa Zeal University (AZU) marked a significant milestone in its brief history by graduating its first cohort of students on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 45 graduates from the faculties of Computer Science and Economics and Business Administration, both at the degree and diploma levels.
Established in April 2021, AZU is located in Lo’bonok Payam under Juba County and was initially launched with two faculties. Addressing the graduates, the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Patron of the University, HE Prof. James Wani Igga (PhD), expressed pride in the graduates’ dedication to their studies and emphasized the importance of using their education to create jobs rather than solely seeking employment.
“You hold the keys to your future and the future of our nation. Be job creators, harness your knowledge,” Vice President Igga urged during his keynote address. He also called on families to consider enrolling their children at AZU, which he described as a beacon of unity for those with a passion for learning.
The Vice President acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the faculty, as well as the legacy of late Prof. Michael Lawrence, the university’s founding Vice Chancellor.
As part of the ongoing effort to support education in the region, Hon. Minister Josephine Lagu, representing the Gen. Joseph Lagu Foundation, announced the provision of five scholarships annually for agriculture studies. She also encouraged the university to enhance research opportunities for students pursuing PhDs, highlighting the area’s agricultural potential.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adil Athanasius Surur, affirmed AZU’s compliance with international educational standards. He cautioned students against enrolling in unregistered institutions, warning that degrees from such universities could be invalidated long after their conferral.
Further, Hon. Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, the Commissioner of Juba County, declared a commitment to providing thirteen scholarships each year for students from the thirteen Payams within the county.
The Vice Chancellor of AZU, Prof. John Loro, expressed gratitude to all supporters of the university and congratulated the graduates, who hailed from South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He revealed plans for the introduction of new faculties in Education and Agriculture in the upcoming academic calendar.
The graduation ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, members of Parliament, state ministers, the Sudanese consul to South Sudan, academic figures, dignitaries, and local community representatives, all celebrating this pivotal moment in the university’s journey.
