EU-funded Project F.A.I.T.H successfully conducted its first International Conference entitled “Global Insights, Local Impact: Advancing Sustainable Universities of Applied Sciences in Ethiopia”, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from January 15–16, 2026.
The conference opened with a welcoming address by Dr. Seid Mohammed, President of Jigjiga University and organizer of the conference. In his remarks, Dr. Seid emphasized that such international platforms are essential for strengthening Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs) in Ethiopia through the adoption and localization of international best practices. He further highlighted Jigjiga University’s critical role as a partner institution in organizing project-related workshops and in disseminating project activities and deliverables through the project website and social media platforms.
In his keynote address, Honorable Dr. Eba Mijana, CEO of the Ministry of Education and key partner in the project, underscored the importance of strong collaboration among all stakeholders to successfully realize the mission and vision of Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs) in Ethiopia.
Dr. Teshome Nekatibebe, President of Kotebe University of Education and the coordinating university of Project F.A.I.T.H, highlighted the significance of such initiatives in supporting national development. Similarly, Dr. Guchi Gulie, President of Wolaita Sodo University and a partner institution in the project, emphasized the project’s quality dimension, noting that maintaining high standards is essential to ensure that project outcomes generate meaningful and sustainable impact for the community.
The conference continued with a series of high-level presentations by distinguished international and national experts, including Prof. Kai Handel from Hochschule Osnabrück, Germany, Prof. Hans Vossensteyn from Saxion University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands, Prof. Frank Ziegele from CHE Center for Higher Education, Germany, Dr. Ephrem Tekle Yacob from Kotebe University of Education (KUE), FAITH Project Manager, and Mr. behailu Korma from Ministry of Education — Ethiopia.
A dedicated panel discussion on TANDEM Activities, moderated by Caroline Friedhoff from CHE Center for Higher Education, Germany, provided practical recommendations for all Universities of Applied Sciences in Ethiopia. Furthermore, various research papers were presented by scholars from different institutions.
The presentations were followed by insightful and constructive discussions involving participants from international partner institutions, representatives of the 15 Universities of Applied Sciences in Ethiopia, and other key stakeholders.
The conference concluded with a certification and recognition ceremony for paper presenters, reviewers, TANDEM experts, and the organizers of the conference.
