(JUBA) — Upper Nile University has officially launched free campus WiFi, marking a significant advancement in South Sudan’s push towards digital education. The launch, held on Saturday, 19 July 2025, in Juba, was part of a student welcoming ceremony and was attended by university leaders, government officials, and students.
The new service is part of a partnership between the National Communication Authority (NCA) and the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), under the theme “Advancing Education Through Connectivity.” The initiative is intended to improve access to online learning resources, support digital literacy, and foster responsible internet use among university students.
During the event, student leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as a long overdue step in bringing South Sudanese higher education into the digital age. Guild President Samuel Malith Bol praised the partnership and urged students to make academic use of the new access. He also called on the university and NCA to provide training in cybersecurity to help students protect themselves online.
Mr. Unguec Stephen, Assistant Director of Cybersecurity at NCA, addressed concerns over digital safety. He advised students to use public WiFi carefully and remain aware of cyber threats. He emphasised the importance of digital hygiene, especially when accessing sensitive information online.
Dr. Margret Labanya, NCA’s Director of Corporate Affairs, expressed optimism about the university’s new connectivity, praising Upper Nile University for being the first institution to be connected under the NCA’s internet rollout programme. She also warned about potential misuse of online platforms, reminding students that with digital access comes responsibility.
This connectivity project signals a growing interest by South Sudanese authorities in expanding educational and technological infrastructure. With a young and rapidly growing population, stakeholders are increasingly looking at internet access as a tool for development and progress.
The rollout of campus WiFi at Upper Nile University is expected to serve as a pilot for similar initiatives at other public universities across the country. According to the NCA, this model may be expanded depending on available funding and student feedback.
South Sudanese students have frequently raised concerns about lack of access to digital learning tools. The launch of this service has been welcomed by many as a step in the right direction, although students continue to call for technical support and more training in digital safety.
The project is also being viewed as part of South Sudan’s broader digital transformation goals, where connectivity is expected to play a major role in education, governance and entrepreneurship.
While the WiFi service is currently free for students, officials have not confirmed if it will remain free in the long term. However, with the average cost of 1 GB of mobile data still relatively high for students, about 1,200 SSP ($0.26 USD), the availability of campus WiFi offers a meaningful reduction in students’ out of pocket expenses for online access.
| Service | Estimated Local Cost | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB Mobile Data | 1,200 SSP | $0.26 |
| Campus WiFi (per day) | Free (at present) | Free |
The NCA and DRF said they plan to continue working with university stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the initiative, while also pushing for similar launches at other campuses nationwide.
