By William Madouk
Upper Nile University and Premium Agro Consultancy Company Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening agricultural education, innovation and practical skills in South Sudan.
The agreement, signed at the university’s Munuki Campus in Juba, brings together the university’s Faculty of Agriculture and the private agro-consultancy firm under the theme “Strengthening University–Industry Partnership for Agricultural Innovation, Skills Development and Sustainable Food Systems.”
The partnership is expected to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical agricultural work, giving students opportunities to gain hands-on skills and experience.
Vice Chancellor of Upper Nile University, Mamour Choul Turuk, said closer cooperation between the university, Premium Agro and the Ministry of Agriculture could create a strong partnership for developing the country’s agricultural sector.
Turuk said stronger links between universities and the private sector are important for producing skilled professionals who can contribute to agricultural development and innovation.
He also raised concerns that many agriculture students graduate with mainly theoretical knowledge, limiting their ability to make a visible impact in the field.
Meanwhile, Ayiga Festo Amunda, Chair of Premium Agro Consultancy, said the partnership would help develop and adapt agricultural training materials to South Sudan’s specific needs.
“I think with the partnership with the university we shall be able to now develop, modify and certify in the context of South Sudan so that it becomes like the materials that we shall be able to use for the training of our students,” Amunda said.
“Because when you look at the skill set that is required by our farmers across the country, you will find that the capacity of the government to be able to provide such training services for the farmers throughout the country has never been a hundred percent yet,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Denis Poggo, a board member, questioned why South Sudan continues to import agricultural products from neighbouring countries despite having vast and fertile land.
He said the country should be working towards becoming an agricultural exporter rather than relying heavily on imports.
The signing ceremony brought together officials from the Faculty of Agriculture, Premium Agro Consultancy, and the university’s senior management.
The two sides later exchanged signed copies of the agreement.
The partnership comes as South Sudan seeks to strengthen local food production and build a skilled workforce capable of turning the country’s agricultural potential into practical results.