Juba, 02 September, 2025 / 10:35 PM
The new Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Catholic University of South Sudan (CUofSS) has pledged to foster teamwork with various stakeholders in view of “creating inclusive environments” to advance the institution’s mission.
CUofSS has the mission “to provide an outstanding education to students from all backgrounds.” Operationalizing Gospel values and the Social Teaching of the Church, the institution of higher learning in the world’s newest nation seeks to “provide holistic formation—morally, ethically, and intellectually—subject to the norms of Codex Iuris Canonici (Code of Canon Law) and Ex Corde Ecclesiae” ( and aspires “to be a world-class university in the heart of Africa, dedicated to academic excellence.”
In his address during the Monday, September 1 installation at the main campus CuofSS South Sudan’s capital city, Juba, Br. Dr. Bruno Dada underscored the importance of unity of purpose, saying the success of the Catholic institution depends on the collective effort of all stakeholders, including faculty members and students.
“It is indeed my prayer and hope that the Almighty God continues to grant me wisdom, good health, and knowledge to diligently serve this great institution,” Br. Dada said.
The South Sudanese member of the Congregation of the St. Martin De Porres Brothers outlined his vision for CUofSS, emphasizing teamwork and resilience in addressing challenges such as staff turnover, rising tuition costs, and inadequate infrastructure.
“Under my leadership, all efforts will be geared towards enhancing, propelling, and strengthening academic excellence… to enable it to remain a university that maintains a Catholic identity, promotes innovative teaching and learning, and is research-driven,” he said.
Br. Dada continued, “Among these are high staff turnover, rising cost and tuition fees, accessibility to the physical challenge, which still remains a critical issue.”
“We shall focus on creating inclusive environments and support systems that cater to diverse student needs, with adequate infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of students and staff,” the new Vice Chancellor of CUofSS said.
For CUofSS to achieve its vision of being a leading institution for academic excellence and innovation in South Sudan and beyond, Br. Dada said, “We need to work as a team, (including) the Church, Board of Trustees, the Management, the Senate, the staff, students, and other stakeholders, including the government.”
“This being a Church institution, I have to honestly work closely with the Catholic Church on all matters affecting our university to address the challenges within our institution,” the native of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State that is served by the country’s Juba Catholic Archdiocese further said.
He continued, “I pledge to work with the University Senate in ensuring that this university becomes the leading institution for academic excellence. In this regard, the Department for Quality Assurance will be expected to play a greater role and be accountable for its actions.”
Br. Dada also pledged to “work with all Directors of different campuses, Wau, Rumbek, Yambio, and Malakal, to make sure that the same quality education is reflected in them.”
“I pledge to work with all the staff, all the circle staff members, to improve and improve the welfare of the staff,” he said, and further pledged “to foster partnerships, private sector and development partners, to ensure that students are linked to internship opportunities and our graduates to scholarships for further studies and employment.”
Calling for investment in infrastructure, Br. Dada stressed the need for more lecture halls and facilities to accommodate the growing student population.
He also highlighted the unique role of CUofSS in contributing to peace and nation-building, pointing to the Institute of Justice and Peace as a platform for conflict prevention and resolution.
“I therefore call upon all of us here today, the private sector, the government, and all other stakeholders and people of goodwill to join hands in building this institution,” the St. Martin De Porres Brother, who will turn 55 on October 6 appealed.
He went on to laud his immediate predecessor, Fr. Matthew Pagan, for his efforts in expanding the CUofSS to other Catholic Dioceses and acquiring land for its future development.
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Credit: Sr. Paola Moggi, CMS/Juba/South Sudan
“Fr. Matthew, you will be remembered for a number of achievements, but most especially for having spearheaded the expansion of this university to other Dioceses and the acquisition of more lands for the university,” he said.
The holder of a doctorate in Educational Planning and Administration from the Kenya-based Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) said he counted on “God’s blessings” as he assumes his new responsibility.
“As the new Vice-Chancellor, and with God’s blessing, I’m ready with my team to promote and propel the growth of this university to greater heights,” Br. Dada said, and implored, “May God bless the Catholic University of South Sudan. God bless the Catholic Church. God bless South Sudan.”
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