'Icon' Prof. Akec welcomes his dismissal

Prof. John Akec has welcomed his dismissal as the vice chancellor of the University of Juba.

“Like anything else, good things have endings. I would like to thank the Chancellor for trust and support over the last decade,” writes Prof. Akec.

President issued a decree read out on the state-run SSBC television on Friday, relieving Prof. Akec and four other vice chancellors and their deputies, totaling 27 professors.

The chancellor replaced Prof. Akec with Robert Mayom Deng Kuoirot. He also appointed Prof. Isaac Cleto Hassen Rial as his deputy.

“Life is too short to spend in one position. It is the right time to move on and allow other colleagues with fresh ideas to take our university to the next level,” says Prof. Akec, who assumed the position in 2014.

'Icon'

The educator has been praised for his leadership, which helped introduce reform at the public institution, notably infrastructural development.

Commenting on the removal of the professor, the University of Juba described him as an 'icon'.

"Thank you, Prof. John Akec Apuruot, for the innovation, devotion, leadership, and passion you have put into this great institution to get it where it is now. You will always be regarded as an icon who inspired us and achieved great things. Best wishes in your next endeavors," reads a message shared on the university's official Facebook page.

President reappointed Prof. Abraham Matoc Dhal vice chancellor of Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, deputized by Hawa Abdalla Marjan.

He appointed Prof. Mamour Chuol Turuk vice chancellor of Upper Nile University, replacing late professor Marial Awow Yol who died in 2023.

Prof. Erneo Bernerdo Ochi was appointed vice chancellor of the University of Barl el Ghazal, deputized by Rose Ajak Costa Mapuor.

According to the decree, the University of Rumbek of Science and Technology has now got Prof. Joshua Otori Akol, deputized by Prof. Pauline E. Riak.