International Dean’s Course III program
Addis Ababa University hosted the DIES International Dean’s Course III (IDC) program on February 5, 2018 at Hilton Addis Hotel.
In his opening remark, Academic Vice President and Delegate President of the AAU, Jeilu Oumer (Ph.D.) said that the International Dean’s Course is important in addressing the institutional and academic leadership and management gaps of current thinking in higher education. He also noted that the program is popular in the University.
He added that the Ethiopian higher education landscape is changing. Recognizing the importance of higher education in development, he went on to remark, the government of Ethiopia has embarked on expanding access to tertiary education. Accordingly, he noted, the number of public universities has reached 42 in two decades.
He also extended his gratitude to the German government through DAAD (German Academic exchange service) and HRK Rectors’ Conference for sponsoring such an important training in Higher Education Management. He also extended special thanks to Prof. Abebe Dinku who is instrumental in continuously linking DIES program with Sub-Saharan African countries in general and Ethiopia and AAU in particular.
In his welcoming speech, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Germany to Ethiopia, Matthias Schauer pointed out that Africa is facing huge challenges. He stated that the population is growing fast and without good education unemployment will become an increasing problem, even a threat to stability. Of course, he went on to say, “Germany cannot solve Africa’s problems – but we want to contribute to finding solutions in various ways.”
The training spanned four days from February 5-8, 2018 and focused on Dean’s positions in changing the management of higher education, quality, change, human resource, internalization and public relations.
Participants from eight African Countries and Germany attended the program.
DIES International Deans course III, established in 2007 under the DIES program, is sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Alexander Von Homboldt Foundation in cooperation with Higher Educational Institutions and Organizations.