Wollega University inauguration celebrated in Nekemte

Oromia region federal police marching band

GTZ IS Director General Dr. Kleiner

On Sunday, May 27th, thousands gathered in Nekemte to celebrate the official inauguration of Wollega University, one of the new public universities being established under the University Capacity Building Program (UCBP). Students, instructors, officials, children and citizens of Nekemte and the region gathered on a meadow overlooking the new university facilities for the colorful morning ceremony.

President of Oromia Region, His Excellency Ato Abadula Gemeda, Minister of Education, His Excellency Dr. Sentayehu Woldemichael, Wollega University President, Dr. Fekadu Beyene and Director of GTZ International Services, Dr. Elmar Kleiner were some of the speakers at this celebration.

Construction of Wollega University began in April 2006 and the first group of students enrolled in February 2007. A phased approach to building has allowed this first group of students to move into their dormitories and begin classes as construction continues on other parts of the campus. The new university’s 872 students are taught by 137 instructors. There are 131 support staff members.

When complete, Wollega University will accommodate 12,000 students. University faculties and colleges will ultimately include: Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, Faculty of Technology, School of Education, College of Agriculture and Rural Development, College of Health Sciences.

Wollega University is one of the 13 universities being established under the UCBP. Dessie University celebrated its official inauguration just one day before, on Saturday, May 26th, with President of the Amhara Region, His Excellency Ato Ayalew Gobeze, Minister of Revenue, His Excellency Ato Melaku Fanta and Dessie/Kombolcha University President Dr. Dereje Ayalew among the speakers.