Conference Title

Re-innovating Academic Programs through the participation of stakeholders towards the achievement of agenda of applied science/sustainable development goals Conference Date July 2-3/2021 Venue Wolaita Sodo university Hall

Introduction

Education is a key to sustainable socio-economic and political development of a country. Thus, there have been a lot of investment happening in education sector.

Though Ethiopia had been lagging behind in technology, the country has huge/untapped potential such as conducive climate, topography, land, human resource and current efforts in science and technology that would enhance its accelerated growth. The Federal democratic republic of Ethiopia had set vision and has been working to eradicate poverty within short period of time to become exemplary African country in achieve prosperity and to be among middle-income countries.  In this regard, different policies and strategies had been in place and efforts have been forwarded to implement them.

Wolaita Sodo University/WSU is one of the second generation universities established in 2007 and has been contributing a lot to teaching/learning, research and community service. In 2021, it has 35,602 students in 7 colleges, 3 schools in regular, weekend and summer programs (58 Undergraduate, 55 Masters, 2 specialties and 6 PhD programs in 3 campuses.  The programs have been run by 486 instructors, 154 technical assistants, 801 clinical workers and 4,060 administrative staff (Total: 6,501 workers). Its infrastructure includes digital technology/e-studio/ICT, class rooms, workshops, laboratories, teaching hospital, all-purpose hall, residence and dormitories. There are partnerships and collaborations established with different institutions in Ethiopia and abroad.

WSU had served as comprehensive university to execute its mission given by the government since its inception. Recently, it is among the ‘Applied science university’ following the differentiation of higher education based on its potential. The focus areas of universities under ‘Applied University’ are engineering and technology, agriculture, archeology, and humanity. Consistent with this, WSU has prepared its 10 year strategic plan and well in a position to provide practical-based training/knowledge toward its technology-led agriculture and health center of excellence.

In this connection, WSU has planned to conduct a consultation workshop with various industries and institutions to enrich its existing and incoming new programs and enhance its mission toward demand-driven and competent human resource development. Therefore, this proposal/action plan is designed and will help the office of Vice President of Academic Affairs to get the organizational and administrative tasks, as well as advice to help promote and run its academic programs.

Objectives

To plan/organize the academic conference meeting on university programs and discuss with relevant industries and institutions

Expected output

Programs (education and training) became enriched based on demand of labor market

Competent graduates will be produced to both to national and international market demand

Increased partnerships and collaborations with relevant industries and institutions