𝐎𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅.𝐀.𝐈.𝐓.𝐇 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐱 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐝𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲.

During the launching ceremony, Dr. Guchie Gulie, Wolaita Sodo University President, delivered a welcoming speech. During the launching ceremony, Dr. Guchie Gulie, President of Wolaita Sodo University, delivered a warm and inspiring welcoming speech. In his remarks, he expressed the university’s great pleasure in hosting the event and encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, exchange ideas, and make the most of the opportunity to contribute to meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Dr. Eba Mijena, CEO, Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing that education is the only weapon this generation should use to fight various global challenges, quoting Nelson Mandela’s famous remark.
In addition, Dr. Ubah Mohammed, President of Dire Dawa University, delivered her keynote speech on the importance of establishing the Center and piloting the Universities of Applied Sciences in Ethiopia. Dr. Teshome Nekatibeb, President of Kotebe University of Education, FAITH Project coordinating university, also delivered a keynote speech. He emphasized that the piloting initiative would address and support all 15 Universities of Applied Sciences in Ethiopia.
Dr. Ephrem Tekele, FAITH Project Coordinator, delivered a comprehensive presentation providing an overall insight into the project. In his presentation, he outlined the project’s objectives and key components. His presentation also highlighted the importance of practical engagement in ensuring the successful realization of the FAITH project’s goals and the implementation of the toolboxes developed.
The launching ceremony then continued with training sessions. Dr. Wubalem Girma, Wolaita Sodo University Tandem Expert from Wolaita Sodo University, presented one of the project pilots titled “Industry Partnership for Regional Development in the Universities of Applied Sciences.”
In the afternoon session of the first day, Dr. Fekede Tuli, Academic Vice President of Kotebe University of Education, presented a pilot area titled “Applied Research and Industry Co Creation.” He facilitated engaging discussions and shared relevant case studies, while participants actively contributed their ideas and experiences, playing a vital role in enhancing and refining the program.
During the discussion, participants emphasized that producing industry-ready manpower through practical, hands-on training should be a top priority in the Universities of Applied Sciences.