Newly Installed Catholic University of South Sudan VC Pledges to Foster Teamwork to Create “inclusive environments”

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.

Credit: Sr. Paola Moggi, CMS/Juba/South Sudan

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.

Credit: Sr. Paola Moggi, CMS/Juba/South Sudan

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.”

Credit: Sr. Paola Moggi, CMS/Juba/South Sudan

“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.”

Credit: Sr. Paola Moggi, CMS/Juba/South Sudan

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.”

Credit: Sr. Paola Moggi, CMS/Juba/South Sudan

Calling for investment in infrastructure, Br. Dada stressed the need for more lecture halls and facilities to accommodate the growing student population.

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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.

Credit: Sr. Paola Moggi, CMS/Juba/South Sudan

“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.

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. 

Credit: Sr. Paola Moggi, CMS/Juba/South Sudan

“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.”