Arba Minch University–Institutional University Cooperation (AMU-IUC) Local Steering Committee convened to review key strategic and programmatic issues on January 5, 2026, at the AMU-IUC video conference room. The meeting focused on the AMU-IUC phase-out strategy and planning, the status of first-phase PhD students, progress on team project applications and implementation, as well as gender inclusion baselines and follow-up mechanisms across AMU-IUC sub-projects. Click here to see more photos.
Opening the meeting, Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation at AMU and Local Coordinator of the AMU-IUC Project, welcomed participants and outlined the purpose of the meeting was aimed to evaluate the performance of 2025 academic year and deliberate on several key agenda items, including the AMU-IUC phase-out strategy and planning, particularly updates and communications from VLIR-UOS. He further reported on the status of the Phase-I PhD cohort, noting that out of 19 candidates, 15 have successfully graduated while four remain in progress. The committee also reviewed the status of team project applications as part of a sustainable and smooth transition from the IUC framework to multiple team-based projects, with four proposals already registered and optimistic prospects for securing funding. In addition, gender inclusion baselines and follow-up mechanisms across AMU-IUC sub-projects were discussed and the committee reached a shared understanding on the way forward, he said.
Dr. Fassil Eshetu, AMU-IUC Project Manager, highlighted that the meeting primarily focused on the AMU-IUC phase-out strategy and its alignment with AMU’s overall institutional strategy, alongside discussions on gender inclusion baselines and follow-up mechanisms across sub-projects. He emphasized that the AMU-IUC project has significantly contributed to capacity building through PhD staff development, provision of essential research materials, and direct institutional support, benefiting both the university and the local community. Dr. Fassil further underscored the importance of sustaining these gains by securing follow-up projects, particularly through continued Belgian cooperation, noting that the committee reached a common understanding on ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition beyond the IUC framework.
Mrs. Bayush Tesfaye, AMU-IUC Outreach and Gender Coordinator and a member of the Local Steering Committee, noted the notable progress in team project applications, including proposals that have secured Northern promoters, those making satisfactory progress, and others that require additional support. She also highlighted the opportunities for synergy among projects with similar thematic focus and explained that the meeting was aimed to review activities across all seven AMU-IUC sub-projects and plan next steps.
At the end, a new five members committee which is led by Dr. Fasil was established to accomplish the remaining AMU-IUC project over all works.
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