This week-long exhibition is going to be very interesting as all the participants including water engineering and other departments have put up innovative models of all the existing dams of Ethiopia in a single room. And, I hope when other universities would come, they will enjoy it, the Arba Minch University Board Chairman, Mr Tagesse Chafo said.

Expressing his happiness after inaugurating the expo, he added, ‘‘I knew, AMU since its establishment, because then I was the first year student in Addis Ababa University and now after 20 years, I could see it has achieved a lot.

Especially, when I look at the ever expanding Institute of Technology, it’s like a university in itself. And if you combine other four huge campuses, they are like another university; certainly, great future awaiting AMU,’’ Mr Tagesse said.

Expressing his satisfaction, AMU President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes, said, ‘‘It’s amazing to start 25th anniversary celebration by opening a grand exhibition. It’s well-organized, everybody is doing well, preparation is well on track and we are improving from time to time. I am sure our esteemed visitors would love it.’’

The exhibition, marking the beginning of anniversary celebration was inaugurated amid the presence all high officials at Main Campus on 19th May, 2014. All the dignitaries visited key stalls at the show.

All colleges including Institute of Technology has put up an array of innovative hydro-engineering, electrical, architectural, geological models and replicas of key important national installations on display. The exhibition will continue till 25th May, 2014, and it’s open for all.

Replicas of important Ethiopian dams i.e. historical Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Tekeze Hydro-power Dam at Tigrai region with proposed extension, Gilgel Gibe-III Hydroelectric project situated between the borders of Wolayta Sodo & Dawro zone, Gidabo Dam and Irrigation project, Kesem irrigation and sugar factory, Adama water Treatment Plant etc are worth watching.

Innovative models of Electronic toilet water flusher, automatic street light controller, solid waste-to-energy and construction material conversions and small car model by Mechanical Engineering dept staff which claims if adopted can revolutionize indigenous market was lauded by one and all.

Chemistry department’s models producing dye from plant – Chole and oil extraction from Moringa tree; Geography department’s display of rocks of three categories i.e. Metamorphic, Sedimentary and Igneous, known for their economic viability with regard to mining, engineering and hydraulics purposes, got the fancy of the visitors.

Physics department has come up with models of electric and steam generator, spectro-meter and telescope and Electric multiple injera machine, Bio-Gas House and Hold model from water supply and environment engineering is on display.

Architecture and Urban Planning department has myriad of models including complete miniature model of AMU’s infrastructure, replicas of National Police Headquarters, American Academy Airforce Academy Chapel and others.

Computer Science with Information Communication Technology Centre department have voice recognizer model, virtual Amharic keyboard, solar-based power back-up, Security camera system; AMU Student Café Management and AMU Balanced Score card system to be introduced were on display.

Arba Minch Rehabilitation Centre and Arba Minch Metal Works from Arba Minch town are also part of the expo. The former is displaying devices like orthotics, prosthesis, wheel-chair, Braille book, visuals about community service and leather products prepared by their inmates. Latter has put up various cost-effective and fuel-saving stoves in the show.

College of Natural Sciences’ department of Meteorology and hydrology has put up Coriolis Force Demonstrator’s replica. College of Medicine and Health Sciences has twin display i.e. Dorso and full skeleton.

College of Social Science and Humanities’ School of Law is mirroring their community service intervention i.e. free legal aid, legal awareness campaign and FM radio service.

Sponsors like Addis Ababa-based Water Works Design & Supervision Enterprise, Berhan International Bank, Afrotsion Construction Private and inpiduals, Basha Eshetu Hailemichael, Nur Hussein Adem, Jemel and Adamu Elime and others have contributed ETB 270,000 for the exhibition. IoT faculty member Mr Tamru Tesseme is the coordinator of the expo.

Evening celebration at Abaya Campus

Evening ceremony at Abaya Campus began with Dean of College of Natural Sciences, Dr Alemayehu Hailemichael taking people down the memory lane about AMU’s 25-year journey. He appreciated admin staff, faculty members and students for their valuable contribution and called upon them to remain united to assure faster and sustained development of the university.

Poems recited by two students, emphasizing their dreams and desire to reach there with AMU providing wings to their aspirations regaled the audience.

Mesfin Menza from Department of Economic, started panel discussion by apprising the gathering with the checkered journey of Arba Minch University and its present status.

Research and Community Service Vice-President, Dr Guchie Gulie, in his presentation on ‘international legal perspective on utilization of trans-boundary rivers,’ made the gathering realize the significance of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in the backdrop of global river basin, treaties and political opposition it faced and its worth for the nation. Dr Bogale spoke on colonial treaties.

University President, Dr Feleke lauding all, urged them to be proud about AMU’s growing importance. He encouraged everyone to put their concerted efforts for better tomorrow. The celebration reached its crescendo with everyone setting aside their inhibitions began to dance to the lilting tunes. AMU higher-ups also joined the students in jubilation.

By Philips Joseph