By Yiep Joseph
A strong call for job creation was a central theme at the graduation ceremony of Starford International University on Saturday.
The university’s 5th graduation convocation took place at its main campus in Referendum, Juba. During the event, a total of 636 students were awarded degrees and diplomas, comprising 200 female and 436 male graduates from various disciplines.
The event, which brought together numerous stakeholders and parents of the students, was not only a joyful occasion but also a stepping stone towards a bright future.
Addressing the attendees, the Vice Chancellor of Starford International University, Dr. James Osuru Mark, commended the students for their resilience and encouraged them to intensify their efforts in creating jobs.
He emphasized that after graduation, the focus should be on job creation rather than solely seeking employment, which can often be challenging.
Dr. Osuru expressed his appreciation to the lecturers for their dedication in ensuring the students’ successful graduation.
He repeatedly urged the students never to become complacent but to pursue their dreams diligently and to collaborate where necessary to integrate into the professional world.
On his part, the University Board Chairman, Dium Cyer Cyer Deng, implored the students to double their efforts, stating that their lives depend on their commitment.
Mr. Cyer appealed to the graduates to prioritize job creation over job seeking.
He advised them, “Do not be lazy, do not ignore reading, and concentrate so that you create jobs. Pursue master’s degrees and PhDs, read extensively, and continue such initiatives.”
He acknowledged the significant role of elites in national development and urged the graduates to actively participate in nation-building.
Mr. Cyer also encouraged the graduates and all learners to embrace unity and spread the message of peace within their communities.
In 2023, at least 367 students graduated from Starford International University in various fields of study.
The graduates came from disciplines including Computer Science, Law, Economics, Management, and the School of Journalism, among others.
They were awarded diplomas and bachelor’s degrees during the third convocation, which included 264 males and 103 females.
Mr Cyer the pioneer and chairman of the Board of Directors of the university, stated that the graduates would now fill the skilled human resource gap in the country.
He also mentioned that the university would ensure the provision of vital services, such as Wi-Fi and a modern library, as requested by the students, saying, and “We would try our best.
Mr. Cyer urged the students to utilize the skills they had acquired to eradicate poverty in the country.
“We can overcome poverty if we can harness the mighty River Nile and the vast natural resources we possess. We need to encourage irrigation instead of sitting under trees from morning till evening,” Mr. Cyer advised.
He appealed to the graduates to apply their acquired knowledge and encouraged them to be ‘job creators’ rather than ‘job seekers.’
Starford International University, Juba Campus, on Saturday, April 12th, 2025, graduated six hundred and thirty-six (636) students from various colleges, specializing in different fields.