The FAITH Project Ethiopia successfully conducted the 4th and final round co-creating Universities of Applied Sciences model using the project toolbox, at Jigjiga University from July 29-August 01, 2026. The training was delivered through the toolboxes collaboratively developed by Ethio-European FAITH Project tandem experts. Dr. Seid Mohamed, Jigjiga University president, and FAITH project Dissemination legal signatory officially opened the program; in his opening remarks, he highlighted that Applied Sciences Universities are meant to produce practice based human power that fit the labor market. After his warm welcoming of guests, the FAITH project members, the trainers, and training participants, he notified the participants to intensively attend the training as it is among the most crucial opportunities to shape Applied Science Oriented professors and Industry oriented learners.
The training was facilitated by FAITH Project Ethiopia tandem experts: Dr. Wubalem Girma, Dr. Fekede Tuli, Mignot Getachew, Dr. Oumer Nuru, and Dr Demissie Dalelo. A total of 40 selected participants from the University attended the program, including instructors, academic leaders, and institutional decision makers.
The training focused on six major toolbox areas: Internship, Applied Research, Industry Partnership, SDGs, Par time Lecturer, and Outcome Based Curriculum Development
Participants actively engaged in the sessions through discussions, reflections, and constructive feedback, with strong interest and commitment toward the implementation of the UAS model.
The program was also a grand closing of all the co-creation training conducted throughout the 14 Universities of Applied Sciences in Ethiopia. During that closing, Dr. Ephrem Tekle, project coordinator presented FAITH project status and sustainability, Dr. Eba Mijena, the Ministry of Education Ethiopia CEO, delivered a keynote speech on the vision and mission of the Ethiopian UAS, Dr. Guchi Gulie, Wolayta Sodo University president, presented the contribution of FAITH Project for the UAS Ethiopia transformation, and Adanech Tesheme, WSU_FAITH project LEAR presented quality report of the project. At last, Jigjiga University FAITH project members provided certificate of recognition for both the trainers and trainees.