Haramaya University Signs MOU with Six US Universities By Sileshi Yilma/Public and International Relations Directorate Haramaya University (HU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with six US universities on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 in a ceremony held at HU’s Resource Center. Close to 15 higher officials from Oklahoma State University, Kansa State University, Texas Tech University, Langston University, Tarleton University, and TAMU Kings Villey University have paid a one day visit of HU. During the occasion, Dr. Girma Amente, president of HU, said the MOU will enable both sides mutually benefit from the cooperation. “We want to establish strong cooperation with US universities in the areas of faculty and students exchange, access to electronic materials, and joint research projects with our partner universities,” Dr. Girma added. Ambassador Tibor P/ Nagy Jr., coordinator of the team, former Ambassador US Ambassador in Ethiopia and currently Vice Provost for International Affairs, on his part said that the collaboration is wide open, comprehensive and it will benefit the two parties. “We are talking about curriculum enrichment, staff and students exchange, research possibilities, and joint degree programs,” added the Ambassador reiterating that the group is here for tourism rather it is in Ethiopia to implement the real projects. The Ambassador further stated that the cooperation is a two-way exchange and cooperation truly defined. Another part of the US delegation was the Ethiopian Honorable Consul at Houston Texas and President of the Ethio-American Trade Investment, Gezahagn Kebede, said only signing the MOU is not enough rather consistent follow up should be there. “Two years ago the same team visited Gonder, Axum and Mekelle universities and several staff members have benefitted a lot in getting masters and PhD opportunities in US universities and similar results are expected from this agreement,” Gezahagn explained. Prof. Chemeda Fininsa, vice president for Academic Affairs of HU, has made presentation on brief historical background and current status of the University as well as possible areas of collaboration and opportunities for partnership between HU and the six US universities. Members of the delegation have also pinpointed the possible areas mutual benefits whereby they can work with HU. Members of the team, along with higher officials of HU and deans of colleges, have visited the Universities museum, library, farm enterprise, agricultural research stations, and Institute of Technology. The delegation was given photo gifts from HU which shows the historical relationship of the University with US universities particularly Oklahoma State University. They were also given T-shirts, hats and pins representing HU. Prior to their visit to HU, the group of higher officials from the six officials has already visited Adama, Hawassa, and Dire Dawa universities. Jimma University will be their last stop. The team is expected to meet Dr. Tewdros Adhanom, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shifera Shigute, Minister of Education; Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn; Deputy Prime Minsiter Demeke Mekonnen, as well as officials of US Embassy and USAID.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 08:23:56 +0000
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