Building the Foundations for MTU's Future
Dear all stakeholders of Mizan-Tepi University — I call upon the entire university community and our partners in the journey of realizing the vision of the university.
Mizan-Tepi University, one of the higher education institutions in Ethiopia, has been playing its role since its commencement depending on its mission identified by the Ministry of Education. This mission basically includes learning-teaching, research, and community development support.
As it is known, the basis of all knowledge is research and development; and the construction of research centers and parks will also be a priority in the coming strategic years.
Mizan-Tepi University needs human, material, and financial resources to be successful and achieve its goals.
Therefore, it is vital to have and use qualified academic staff and support staff in a sustainable manner. Similarly, the utilization of acquired assets and services should be efficient and cost-effective. With a focus on strengthening sustainable financing and utilization systems, building a sustainable, efficient, effective, and accountable financial system — and income generation endeavors — need attention.
Science, Technology & Indigenous Knowledge
Science, research, technology, and indigenous knowledge play an important role in helping Ethiopia move in the right direction and at the right speed. Thus, one of the main activities of Mizan-Tepi University is to use, expand, and strengthen science, technology, research, community service, and indigenous knowledge.
The provision of various resources necessary for scientific knowledge, the transfer and expansion of scientific knowledge, and the establishment of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) centers — from primary schools onward — are issues that need attention.
Information Technology as a Backbone
In the future, information technology is expected to be the backbone of the core activities of teaching, learning, research, and community service. Therefore, the construction of institutions to enhance the use of technology, the development of ICT infrastructure, the creation and transfer of technology, and the enrichment of technology are the focus. In this regard, the government is working hard to expand information technology to accelerate the country's growth and utilization of technology.
Consequently, the expansion of information technology infrastructure at the university will help to enhance the teaching and learning process. Over the past years, the university has paid close attention to the expansion of information technology from the federal government; however, there is no significant ICT infrastructure at the institution. Therefore, one of the issues that the university should focus on in the future is the development of information and communication technology.
Infrastructure & Mega Projects
The Business Development Vice President Office has been performing different mega building projects across its three campuses — including students' dormitories and classrooms, academic staff condominiums, and the main campus road, among others.
Income Generation
In addition, one of the powers and functions assigned to the university is to generate income and possess property. Cognizant of this fact, Mizan-Tepi University is undertaking various income-generation activities to increase its budget. These include distance learning, as well as limited agricultural activities. In addition, by acquiring large tracts of farmland from Bench Sheko Zone and Sheka Zone, various agricultural activities are being carried out with the support of experts.
Dear all stakeholders, although the start is good, the income is not as good and profitable as expected — the efforts to generate income are encouraging. In line with this, professionals have been involved in the establishment of university enterprises. This is encouraging — a feasibility study was conducted with the participation of stakeholders, and the details of the enterprises were prepared and submitted to the Board for approval.
Finally, I call upon all the university community and other stakeholders in the journey of realizing the vision of the university.
Thank you!