AMU’s University Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate (UIL-TTD) in a daylong workshop of University Industry Forum evaluated conducted activities and mulled strategies to formulate roadmap in achieving common goal by tackling impending challenges at New Hall, Main Campus on 18th May, 2018. Click here to see the pictures.

University President, Dr Damtew Darza, addressing gathering, said aligning with Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory and other industries will help us to adopt innovative technologies that will resolve societal issues where students would gain hands-on practical knowledge. And to foster practical education, we are collaborating with myriad stakeholders to complement government’s effort in establishing industrial economy in the country through national educational policy.

The workshop started with Mr Belete Abebe presenting Forum’s annual report followed by two research findings and two proposals by AMU staff. At the outset, Mr Salsawi Feleke on research to identify challenges and opportunities on life trajectories of South Omo people in the context of Omo Kuraz Sugar development project, said, we are out to find a midway between the divergent views put forth by many researchers and Sugar Corporation in this regard.

University-Industry Forum constituted last year couldn’t perform stipulated tasks, has convened this meeting to mobilize all stakeholders - Arba Minch, Hawassa, Mizan Tepi, Wolayta Sodo, Jimma universities, industry that includes Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory, small scale firms and eight Technical, Vocational and Educational Training Institutes from Gamo Gofa, Segen People’s and South Omo.

This Forum assures mutual benefits wherein universities will gain hands-on technical knowhow, industry gaps will be addressed and TVETs technologies stand to get pragmatic dimension in tackling social issues. This permutation will work wonder in the context of achieving national sustainable goals, said, UIL-TTD Director, Dr Tolera Seda.

General Manager of Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory, Mr Kasa Tesfaye, gracing the event, said, AMU is playing pivotal role in mobilizing stakeholders. However, we have identified thematic areas for AMU, where they will have to focus on water management, soil classification, etc.

On sugar production, he said, we have four factories of which two are being commissioned; one is producing 80000 quintals annually and others are under construction. In future we will export refined sugar to earn foreign exchange and when all four factories get operational, we are expected to earn net ETB 100 Million per day.

In closing remark, Mr Kasa lauded AMU for launching Masters in Hydraulics Engineering, Agronomy and Business Administration, saying they were selected by his factory. He also assured full cooperation to all members in achieving the desired results.

Other three AMU presenters, Mr Aklilu Boto, Dr Shetie Gatew and Mr Tuma Ayele dealt with issues such as ‘sustenance value of jaggery’, ‘evaluation of climate impact’ and ‘soil fertility & environment quality’.

AMU officials, researchers and others were in attendance. All participants later in the day visited advanced laboratories at Abaya Campus followed by trip to Crocodile Ranch and Forty Springs.

(Corporate Communication Directorate)