Despite civil war and 500 percent inflation, the Episcopal Church of South Sudan is pressing ahead with plans to found an Anglican university for the nation. The plan is to open the multi-campus university in the next two years.
An important part of the vision for the new institution is being a catalyst for national unity, and it will be open to all regardless of tribe. The new university will bring together eight existing Anglican theological Anglican Colleges in South Sudan.
There are currently five state-run universities in South Sudan, but three have suspended operations because of civil war.
There is high demand for tertiary education, not least for women. Women account for a quarter of current South Sudan university students.
The U.K.-based South Sudan Church Partnership is among the project’s backers.
John Kingsley Martin is a journalist based in London.
