Message from the President

I feel honoured to deliver this message to you on behalf of Wolaita Sodo University (WSU). WSU has been steadily growing university that working towards the realisation of envisioned goals since its establishment on March 24, 2007. It has started its functions with 62 faculty members by enrolling 801 students in 16 undergraduate programs. Currently, it has enrolled over 36,000 students in more than 62 undergraduate and 95 postgraduate (including 10 PhD and four subspecialty) programs, has more than 34.5% academic staff above and equivalent to assistant professors, and has more than 60 experienced medical doctors that provide teaching and clinical services. The number of experienced administrative staff with an M.Sc. and M.A.  degree is also above 115, which has significantly contributed to delivering quality service. 

The pledge provided by the federal government of Ethiopia; the commitment of leadership, academic, and administrative staff; the suitable location and climate of the university campuses; and the hardworking culture of the Wolaita community have played a crucial role in the university’s growth over the last 17 years. Nearly all the budget for infrastructure development has come from the government treasury, while less than 5% of the research budget has been obtained through international collaborations.   

WSU is located in Wolaita Sodo City, the political and administrative centre of South Ethiopia’s regional state, which makes it more accessible. The city has seven gates that connect it to the major cities in the south and the capital, Addis Ababa. Three alternative outlets of the city destine finally at Addis Ababa. Hence, Wolaita Sodo University is reachable through various transportation routes and means. It is only about a 6-hour drive from Addis Ababa and a 2-hour drive or less from Hawassa and Arba Minch by vehicle. If one takes a flight alternative, s/he can easily be picked up at Wolaita Sodo University from Hawassa and Arba Minch.

The suitability of the location and the climate of Wolaita Sodo City for living and business have made the university the choice of skilled personnel and collaborating stakeholders. Many knowledgeable academic and administrative staff have chosen to join the university, enriching its human resource capacity. Currently, the university has more than 1200 experienced academic staff in service. Even though there had been much leadership turnover, during each tenure, significant milestones were achieved and recorded. The university publishes one nationally accredited journal and has won national recognition for its valuable community services.

WSU accomplishes its roles by engaging the staff in research, community services, and teaching in collaboration with national and international stakeholders. The university worked in collaboration with over 45 like-minded national and international organisations and institutions. The university has engaged the community members in its research, community outreach, and construction project activities. The hard-working culture and commitment of the Wolaita community had been an asset and an opportunity.

As a designated applied science university since 2020, WSU has integrated the teaching process with research and community engagement activities to produce skilled graduates at various levels. For the same endeavour, the university uses the three fully fledged campuses with almost all practical education facilities in Wolaita Zone and one growing campus in Dawro Zone. Moreover, the university has four research centres in the Wolaita zone and one in the Dawro Zone. Outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students are selected and granted financial support to engage in the practical service-learning process through their research projects. 

Currently, WSU looks forward to collaborating with national and international stakeholders to enhance its functions. We are committed to maintaining a favorable work environment that fosters collaboration and partnership. 

Guchie Gulie Sulla (PhD)

President, Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

E-mail: guchie.gulie@wsu.edu.et / guchie4@yahoo.com

Mobile Phone: +251911250668

Phone: +251 465514417