The agreement, announced Wednesday, aims to boost access to quality higher education for the state’s youth.
The scholarship program will allocate 80 slots for undergraduate studies and 20 for postgraduate programs each academic year, offering a vital pathway for students to pursue their academic aspirations without the burden of tuition fees and related expenses.
The formalisation of the agreement took place during a courtesy visit by Dr. Meaberu Teshome Zeleke, the Vice President for Academic and Research Affairs at Debre Tabor University, to Governor Riek’s office in Jebel.
During the visit, Dr. Zeleke formally awarded the scholarships to the initial cohort of selected students. Both parties emphasised that this initiative stems from a shared commitment to fostering intellectual growth and sustainable development through robust educational opportunities.
Dr. Zeleke expressed profound appreciation for Governor Gai’s leadership, highlighting that investing in higher education is a direct investment in the future prosperity of Jonglei State.
Gai underscored the scholarships as a cornerstone of his broader strategy to empower young people and cultivate a skilled and knowledgeable workforce essential for driving Jonglei State’s socio-economic advancement. He acknowledged the financial challenges many students face and reiterated his dedication to removing these barriers to education.
“This MoU signed today will help the young people who are finishing their studies in Jonglei State, it will help in creating professional health personnel,” said Dr. Gai.
The discussions during the meeting also delved into the hurdles faced by both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a strong emphasis on education’s transformative power within society.
In his remarks, Gai reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to prioritising education as the bedrock for effective leadership and sustainable development.
He pledged ongoing support for the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students’ Union, vowing that no capable and motivated student would be denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints.
It was not immediately clear what the state government offers to the Ethiopian institutions in exchange for the scholarships.
