The noteworthy progress achieved in last 20 years will transform Ethiopia as one of the fastest growing middle-income countries in the short span of time. And the base for this change has been the advancement of education, equity and changes through curriculum based on country’s policy and strategy, said Arba Minch University President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes.
The President delivering speech on AMU’s 27th Convocation, continued, ‘‘Education plays effective role in producing skilled manpower. In this regard AMU’s five-year strategic plan aims to get 21,650 enrolled as regular students next year, with quality, customer-centric innovation, effectiveness, commitment and equity as the guiding principles.
By 2020, AMU aspires to be the leading university in the entire nation will be the centre of excellence with centered service delivery focusing at water-based achievement and competitive in the world. With problem-solving research to support community, we are working with pastorals and peasants by providing counseling, electricity and creating awareness on nature conservation. The ongoing 72 researches testify our commitment in that direction, he added.
He called upon the graduates, saying, ‘‘You must own the vision, mission and goal of the country and help it with the knowledge and skills gained. The qualification you acquired today will be measured by the service you render and the change you bring in, when you do this you will be proud of your families and teachers as well.’’
Special Advisor to Environment and Forest Minister, Dr Tewolde Birhan G/egziabiher gracing the ceremony, said, ‘‘You are the part of renaissance, which gets reflected in Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’s evolvement; the symbol of Ethiopia’s emergence as a strong nation.’’
He urged youth to boost this renaissance by commitment and to safeguard the nation from economic crisis using different technologies mushrooming in the world to change the future of Ethiopia. When Ethiopia will be changed, it will be the best place for all to live and prosper; ‘‘You will be the role model for other nations,’’ he quipped.
For the academic year 2006-7 EC, Arba Minch University has conferred 3230 UG degrees to 2448 male and 782 female graduates and 65 Post-Graduate degrees. In all 40 graduates were adjudged as the top-scorers in UG category; six of them with the highest CGPAs were awarded gold medals from the institute and respective colleges.
But, if we look at the total pass percentage of girl students (24.21%), which is one third of the boys (75.78%), indicates despite improving economic growth and preference being given to fair sex the equity with regard to education is still a far cry.
This time round an interesting situation cropped up with two students from Civil Engineering and Nursing departments scoring 3.96 CGPA, creating a tie between them. But the trophy for the top honour and gold medal went to Institute of Technology’s Teliku Nigussie Hailu from Civil Engineering Department.
Abera Mersha Mamo of Nursing department from College of Medicine and Health Sciences, was adjudged second, bagged the gold medal as well.
Other four brilliant students, Ayele Desalegn W/Mariam of Natural Resource Management, 3.95, from College of Agricultural Sciences, Habtamu Sisay Melaku, Sports Science, 3.94, of College of Natural Sciences, Mezekir Girma Dereje, Amharic Language and Literature, 3.83, of Social Sciences & Humanities and Endashaw Zeleke Deressie of Tourism Management with 3.92 from College of Business & Economics were also awarded gold medals.
Seada Kemale Abebe with 3.94 GPA was given special prize for being the first amongst female graduates. Other female graduates i.e. Tenagnework Shumate Gedle, Civil Engineering, 3.72, Tirhas Mulubirhan Meles, Biology, 3.88, Awetu Fitwi Gebrekirstos, 3.90, Shewayen Azmeraw Ayalwew, 3.53, and Rukiya Abdo Yasin with 3.60 were honored too.
This time, Institute of Technology has again scored the brownie points over other five colleges for churning out 1508 (1250 male, 258 female) graduates, followed by College of Natural Sciences with 663 (470 male, 193 female) graduates.
College of Business & Economics has 452 (277 male, 148 female), College of Medicine and Health Sciences 152 (126 male, 26 female), College of Social Sciences & Humanities 294 (183 male, 111 female) and College of Agricultural Sciences has 188 (142 male, 46 female) pass-outs.
Prof. Zinabu Gebremariam, Dr Admasu Shiberu, Gamo Gofa Zone’s Chief Administrator and AMU Administrative Board member, Mr Tilahun Kebede and various high officials from Gamo Gofa Zone and Arba Minch town, AMU Senate members, AMU academic, administrative and support staff, parents and near and dears of graduating students graced the function. The ceremony began with Gamo Gofa band rendering a cultural number dancing to the rapturous tunes.
School of Graduate Studies’ Director, Dr Anto Arkato, informed the gathering about AMU programs and led all PG graduates being awarded degrees by the dignitary.
Thereafter, Scientific Director of Institute of Technology, Dr Negash Wagesho, College of Natural Sciences’ Dean, Dr Alemayehu H/Michael, College of Medicine and Health Sciences’ Dean, Mr Behailu Merdekios, College of Agricultural Sciences’ Dean, Dr Nejib Mohammad, Dean of College of Business & Economics, Dr Solomon Markos and College of Social Science and Humanities Dean, Mr Tesfaye Alemu apprised the gathering about the performance of their respective institute and colleges and also got degrees distributed to their top-scoring graduates.
The program was punctuated with cultural numbers; song by Community School students lauding the graduates to remain focused about their role towards the community regaled all. The ceremony was conducted by Dr Dawit Meles and AMU Registrar Dr Belete Yilma.
By Philips Joseph