During the deliberations, Major Dr. Beteley Teka, Director of the International Relations and Institutional Cooperation Directorate at EDU, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the university’s profile and key areas of potential collaboration. His presentation underscored the institution’s specialised mandate and the necessity of forging partnerships that align with its academic and research priorities.
Brigadier General Kebede Regassa, Commandant of EDU, emphasised the significance of strengthening cooperation in research, academic programmes, and community engagement. He stressed that, to effectively fulfil its national mandate, EDU must spearhead research initiatives that drive military innovation while fostering institutional partnerships.
The commandant further highlighted that such collaborations would enable optimal utilisation of the nation’s limited resources particularly human capital by ensuring efficiency and minimising redundancies.
Colonel Dr. Minilik Wale, Deputy Commandant of the Research and Technology transfer, echoed the importance of institutional collaboration, noting that joint research projects, symposiums, and academic workshops would facilitate knowledge exchange between the two universities.
Colonel Dr. Minilik further emphasised that EDU is not only a beneficiary of partnerships but also a contributor of expertise, offering valuable academic and research resources to its collaborators.
Representing Hawassa University, Acting President Dr. Chirotaw Ayele reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to supporting EDU in its mission to advance knowledge within the National Defence Forces. The President highlighted Hawassa University’s capabilities in software technology and expressed readiness to share expertise in this field. Additionally, Dr. Chirotaw proposed the establishment of a technical committee to coordinate joint efforts in revenue generation, budget management, curriculum development, and human resource management.
He underscored the need for a formalised agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure the swift and structured implementation of collaborative initiatives.
Following the discussions, top management from EDU engaged in focused deliberations with their counterparts from Hawassa University, exchanging insights on research, academic affairs, institutional strategy, income generation, and community service.
To mark the occasion, Brigadier General Kebede Regassa presented a token of appreciation to Hawassa University in recognition of its commitment to institutional cooperation.
Report: Public Relations Team
