Print

Arba Minch University has conducted weeklong training for its academic and administrative staff on identified broader strategic issues on higher education from 18th to 22nd September, 2017, at Main,Chamo and Sawla campuses; evaluation of deep reform across the board was also held. Click here to see the pictures.

The issues dealt with during training were i.e.role of teachers in higher education, deliver-ology (boosting individual and institutional performance), impact of civic and ethical education, AMU’s last year performance, evaluation of deep-reform, way forward and AMU’s plan for 2010.
University President, Dr Damtew Darza, gracing the inaugural session, initially apprised the academic community with the motive and objective of training. While emphasizing the role of teachers, he said, teachers are indispensable; they occupy hallowed position in everyone’s lives and being role model,they need to have thorough knowledge of subject and be well-informed.
The pool of administrative staff of Institute of Technology, central administrative office and Kulfo Campus converged at Main Campus, while, staff from College of Social Sciences and Humanities,College of Business and Economics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and College of Natural Sciences have jointly underwent training on aforesaid issues At Chamo Campus.
Contextualizing present national scenario with regard to deliver-ology, it was observed that Ethiopia’s annual target is 80% of graduates to have or create jobs for themselves against the average employment rate of 60%, and university-wise target of over 80%. For this, at least 160,000 graduates should be employed annually.
Furthermore, the issues discussed were poor teacher competency & pedagogy, ineffective student learning, lack of effective university–industry linkages, insufficient infrastructure & inputs, lack of effective leadership & administration, poor quality of university intakes and impact of external factors as major challenges, and sequencing of strategies was suggested.
On subsequent days, the issues like ethical education and its impact and progress made at deep-reform front were deliberated. The participants and trainers discussing pros and cons of the issues arrived at a decision to be well-prepared so that set objectives can be achieved.
Administrative staffs had discussion on deep-reform at national and university level; topics such as administration, academic development, infrastructure, research and facilities, etc. were dwelt into. The lacunas and shortcomings were looked into and participants were told to be vigilant in achieving the objectives.
Further, they observed that university’s role doesn’t stop at revising curriculum, but it should pay attention in striking a balance; due attention was called for civic education that covers wider areas of life. The question-answer sessions and group discussions were also held.
On the fourth day, academic staff members were oriented on deep-reform across the board while administrative staff discussed AMU’s last year’s annual plan, achievements, challenges encountered and perused through annual plan of the year 2010.
Deliberating last year annual plan, administrative staff looked into the overall achievements made, failures and lacunas encountered and lessons learnt. Similarly, AMU’s 2010 Plan with regards to changing scenario and level of preparedness to execute them was talked about. 
Teachers while examining deep-reform impact, tried to know the inherent gaps which were identified last year by the Ministry of Education. They also evaluated as to what improvement was made, existing gaps and what measures would be taken to achieve the goal.
Administrative staff’s training concluded on Thursday and for academic staff it was on Friday; followed by deans of colleges and directors of directorates going through evaluation; departmental heads and other employees to follow the suit.
AMU President, vice presidents, college deans, directors, academic, administrative and supports staff contributed for the success of training.The training for senior students and new entrants will begin from 5-7 October and 12-14 October, 2017, on issues relevant to them.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)