Arba Minch University has given a rousing welcome to 37 new PhD graduates, who were in different parts of Ethiopia and world across to pursue their doctoral studies in a well-organized ceremony held at Main Campus on 24th June, 2021. All PhD returnees were embraced by their alma mater with great enthusiasm for they are expected to build capacities of their respective streams in the university. Click here to see the pictures
The program was opened by university president, Dr Damtew Darza, who welcomed new PhD returnees, saying that your achievement will build AMU’s capacity and we expect a lot from you in the years to come. Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Alemayehu Chufamo, in his valedictory address reiterated that with returnees’ professional service, AMU stand to meet national commitment as a research university.
The program began with Executive Director of School of Graduate Studies, Dr Abera Uncha, giving lowdown on PhD returnees and associated issues in presentation titled ‘Graduation Rate of PG Programs 2018-2021,’ he said, in 4 years 13 PhD returnees are from College of Natural & Computational Sciences, Water Technology Institute 9, College of Agricultural Sciences 6, College of Business & Economics 4, College of Social Science & Humanities 3, College of Medicine & Health Sciences 1 and Institute of Technology 1.
Dwelling deeper, he said, university is worried about students pursuing Master and PhD studies aren’t completing their courses in stipulated 2 and 4 years; citing statistics, he said, in 2018, 103 students were enrolled in Water Technology Institute’s Master program of which 14 graduated in 2020 and remaining 86 are still striving. Institute of Technology’s 148 only 31 and 28 could graduate in 2019 and 2020.
Similarly, from 95 students of College of Natural & Computational Sciences 12 & 59 students graduated in 2019 and 2020; of College of Social Science and Humanities’ 45 only 23 graduated in 2020. Out of 68 from College of Medicine & Health Sciences 13 & 30 graduated in 2019 and 2020. The scenario in College of Agricultural Sciences hasn’t been rosy as of 20 registered in 2018, only 4 could pass through in 2020 while College of Business & Economics has 80 of which 21 could complete Master, similar was the case in School of Law and School of Pedagogy & Behavioral Sciences, he added.
Researcher, Dr Addisu Fekadu, said, we have revolutionized Enset processing technology by designing and manufacturing 4 automated machines i.e. corm scrapping, pseudo-stem processing, squeezing machines and innovative fermentation jars through project - ‘Innovative Enset Technology for Gentle Processing, Value-added Products, Safe Storage and Longer Shelf-life’.
He added that new corm scrapping machine can rapidly pulverize fleshy part of Enset, Squeezing Machine is more efficient than previous one and fermentation being most crucial stage, we are using glazed and air-tight jars that quicken fermentation process. And most importantly, we have developed best ‘starter culture’ that has literally transformed Enset processing, he emphasized.
The program was interspersed with discussions; AMU officials, staff, students and researchers were in attendance. Dr Nebiyu Yemane was compere on the occasion.
(Communication Affairs Directorate)