By Bida Elly David
The government of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia has showed willingness to increase the total number of scholarships offered to South Sudanese students to study in Ethiopian Universities in order to improve the education sector.
South Sudan and Ethiopia have been in close bilateral relationship covering various areas such as politics, culture, business and economics. The two Countries have granted themselves unrestricted movement as far as their ties is concerned.
Ethiopia has graduated majority of South Sudanese who are currently serving the nation in various ministries within the public sector and organisarions.
The government of the Republic of South Sudan has granted Ethiopian citizens a big freedom to exercise their commercial activities in the Country as a mechanism to generate revenues and improve the economy of the nation through the various enterprises.
Most operating construction and logistic companies, hotels and water businesses are being run by Ethiopian citizens as a way to generate revenues and serve the nations to best of their levels.
Speaking to the Media recently, Nebil Mahdi, the Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan said Ethiopia and South Sudan were determined to help themselves right from the previous regime.
He said that the increase in the number of scholarship offered to the government officials was due to the improved relationship that the two governments have among themselves.
Nebil pointed out that Ethiopian embassy has promised to increase the number of scholarship from 150 slots yearly to 300 students every year.
“We appreciate South Sudan for being a very good partner to Ethiopia. We used to offer academic scholarships to about one hundred and fifty(150) students every year but with the current improved relationship with the Country, we are proud to announce that the number is going to be increased to 300 students every year to different faculties,” he said.
He pointed out that the scholarship was not only targeting government officials in various ministries but also fresh high school students determined to attain bachelors in various fields.
Furthermore, he said that Ethiopian government shall not only embark on the education sector rather in various areas of trade and politics to enable the two countries build further bilateral ties without threats of any kind.
Despite number of public Universities that South Sudan has, there is still need for the country to seek for foreign knowledge to boost learning in the country since many high schools, graduate number of students.