A dream long deferred
The Catholic University of South Sudan represents a dream long deferred. In 1983, the late Pope John Paul II spoke with then President J. M. Nimeiry about founding a Catholic University in the Sudan. In 2003, during the canonization of St. Daniel Comboni, Pope John Paul II again encouraged the Sudanese bishops to establish a Catholic university that would serve the people of Sudan and South Sudan.
Vision realised after the peace agreement
Following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference officially decided to found the university at their General Assembly in July 2007. In September 2008, CUofSS welcomed its first students into the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Juba Campus. The following year, in October 2009, the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences was launched in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal State.
Growing impact across the nation
Now in its seventeenth year, the Catholic University of South Sudan has continued to expand its academic reach and institutional impact. The University has produced a total of 3,011 alumni who are actively contributing to the social, economic, and institutional development of South Sudan, and currently serves 1,969 students in Juba.
CUofSS is affiliated with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi, which confers degrees to graduates.
Timeline
- 1983
A first conversation
Pope John Paul II speaks with then President J. M. Nimeiry about founding a Catholic university in the Sudan.
- 2003
An encouragement in Rome
At the canonization of St. Daniel Comboni, the Pope again encourages the Sudanese bishops to establish a Catholic university.
- 2005
Peace opens the way
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement is signed.
- 2007
The bishops decide
At their General Assembly in July, the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference officially decides to found the University.
- 2008
First students in Juba
In September CUofSS welcomes its first students into the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Juba Campus.
- 2009
Wau campus opens
In October the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is launched in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal.
- 2021
Environmental Sciences in Juba
The Faculty of Environmental Sciences is established at the Juba Campus in the 2021/22 academic year.
- 2025
A third Vice Chancellor
Br. Dr. Bruno Amori Dada is installed on 1 September, succeeding Fr. Dr. Mathew Pagan after 12 years.
- 2026
823 new graduates
The 11th Graduation takes place on 24 April.
