Dear Graduates:

On behalf of Wollega University and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you. Today marks a proud and memorable milestone in your academic and professional journey. Reaching this stage is a significant achievement, earned through years of dedication, perseverance, sacrifice, and hard work amid many challenges and uncertainties.

Your journey to graduation has not been easy. You have faced demanding academic workloads, clinical and practical responsibilities, personal challenges, and moments of uncertainty. Yet, through resilience, discipline, and determination, you have prevailed. This achievement is a testament not only to your intellectual capacity, but also to your character, endurance, and commitment to your chosen professions.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely acknowledge and thank the families, parents, guardians, and friends of our graduates. Your unwavering moral, emotional, and material support has played a vital role in bringing our graduates to this proud moment. Behind every successful graduate stands a network of individuals who believed in them, encouraged them during difficult times, and made countless sacrifices. Your contribution is deeply appreciated and will always remain an integral part of this success.

My sincere appreciation also goes to the academic staff, technical assistants, and all supportive staff of Wollega University. Your dedication, professionalism, mentorship, and tireless efforts have shaped these graduates into competent and ethical professionals. By sharing your knowledge, skills, and experience, and by guiding students with patience and commitment, you have fulfilled a noble responsibility and made a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Dear graduates, while today is a moment of celebration, it is important to remember that graduation is not the end of learning. Rather, it is the beginning of a new and greater journey. The world you are entering is dynamic and constantly evolving. Knowledge, technology, and professional practices continue to change rapidly. I strongly encourage you to remain lifelong learners—continue to seek knowledge, pursue wisdom, and invest in your personal and professional development. Advance your careers through further education, research, innovation, and ethical practice.

As graduates of the Institute of Health Sciences—clinical nursing, pharmacy, midwifery, medical laboratory sciences, and medical doctors etc.—you are entrusted with a profound responsibility. Your professions are directly connected to human life, dignity, and well-being. Serve humanity with compassion, integrity, empathy, and professionalism. Let your work be guided not only by scientific knowledge, but also by a deep sense of moral responsibility and respect for human life. Be patient with those you serve, especially the most vulnerable, and always uphold ethical standards in your practice.

To our graduates from the School of Veterinary Medicine, you are the voice and guardians of animals who cannot speak for themselves. I urge you to carry your profession with sympathy, responsibility, and commitment to animal welfare. Your role is essential for food security, public health, environmental balance, and the well-being of communities. Treat animals with care and respect, and work diligently to improve animal health, productivity, and welfare for the benefit of society as a whole.

As you move forward, you will inevitably face challenges, obstacles, and moments of doubt. Do not give up. Be persistent, resilient, and hardworking. Face challenges with courage and determination, learn from failures, and turn difficulties into opportunities for growth. Success is not achieved without struggle, and progress requires patience and perseverance. Believe in yourself, stay focused on your goals, and continue striving for excellence.

Above all, remember that your education is a service to your community, your nation, and humanity at large. Use your knowledge and skills responsibly to make a positive difference. Be ethical professionals, responsible citizens, and ambassadors of Wollega University wherever you go.

Once again, I congratulate you on this remarkable achievement. I wish you success, fulfillment, and purpose in your professional and personal lives. May your future be guided by knowledge, wisdom, compassion, and service.

Welcome Message

Message from the President of Wollega University

WHO IS Dr.TESFAYE LEMMA?

Message of the President on 20th round Students' Graduation Ceremony of Wollega University.

Welcome Message

Welcome to the International Relations and Partnership Directorate (WUIRPD). The Directorate serves as the gateway for global engagement, academic cooperation, research collaboration, and institutional partnerships. In alignment with the national higher education internationalization framework and the university’s transformation toward an Applied Science University, the Directorate works to strengthen the university’s global visibility, foster innovation, and create mutually beneficial international collaborations.

Guided by the principle of “Think Globally, Act Locally,” the Directorate promotes international academic standards, intercultural understanding, collaborative research, mobility programs, and strategic partnerships that contribute to institutional excellence and national development.

About the Directorate

The International Relations and Partnership Directorate is a strategic office responsible for coordinating and promoting the university’s internationalization agenda. The Directorate facilitates institutional partnerships with universities, research institutes, development organizations, diplomatic missions, NGOs, and international agencies across the globe.

The office serves as a coordination center for:

• International academic collaborations
• Research partnerships and project development
• Student and staff mobility programs
• International conferences and scholarly exchanges
• Curriculum internationalization and accreditation support
• Global visibility and institutional branding
• International grant mobilization and networking

The Directorate contributes to enhancing academic quality, research productivity, innovation, intercultural learning, and institutional competitiveness at national, regional, and global levels.

Vision

To become a leading university internationalization hub in Africa by fostering globally competitive academic, research, and partnership ecosystems that contribute to sustainable development, innovation, and societal transformation.

Mission

The mission of the International Relations and Partnership Directorate is to:

• Promote meaningful international partnerships and collaborations in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement;
• Facilitate global academic and research mobility opportunities for students, faculty, and staff;
• Enhance the university’s international visibility, competitiveness, and reputation;
• Support internationalization of curricula, programs, and institutional systems;
• Mobilize international resources, projects, and strategic engagements that contribute to institutional excellence and national development;
• Strengthen intercultural understanding and global citizenship through international cooperation and academic exchange.

Core Values

1. Excellence: We strive for high standards in all international engagements, partnerships, and services.
2. Integrity and Accountability:We uphold professionalism, transparency, ethical conduct, and institutional responsibility.
3. Mutual Benefit: We promote partnerships grounded in reciprocity, equity, complementarity, and shared value creation.
4. Innovation and Global Competence: We encourage creativity, innovation, and internationally competitive academic and research practices.
5. Diversity and Intercultural Respect: We value cultural diversity, inclusiveness, intercultural dialogue, and global understanding.
6. Collaboration: We believe in strong institutional networking, interdisciplinary engagement, and collective action.
7. National Relevance with Global Perspective: We align internationalization efforts with national development priorities while embracing global opportunities.

These values are aligned with the Ethiopian Higher Education Internationalization Guideline principles emphasizing quality, equity, accountability, ethics, mutuality, and value creation.

Strategic Objectives

The Directorate aims to achieve the following strategic objectives:

1. Expand international partnerships and institutional collaborations.
2. Enhance international research cooperation and publication output.
3. Promote staff and student exchange and mobility programs.
4. Support international accreditation and curriculum development initiatives.
5. Strengthen institutional capacity for international engagement.
6. Increase international project acquisition and resource mobilization.
7. Improve global visibility and international reputation of the university.
8. Foster international conferences, forums, and intercultural academic engagements.
9. Promote digital internationalization and global academic networking.
10. Institutionalize internationalization across all colleges, schools, and departments.

Organizational Structure of the Directorate

Director

The Directorate is led by the Director for International Relations and Partnership, who provides strategic leadership, coordination, policy guidance, partnership management, and overall oversight of internationalization activities.

The Director is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing internationalization strategies and policies;
• Establishing and managing global institutional partnerships;
• Coordinating international projects and mobility programs;
• Representing the university in international engagements;
• Facilitating resource mobilization and external collaboration;
• Monitoring and evaluating internationalization initiatives.

Core Coordination Units

1. International Research Affairs and Project Coordinator

Major Responsibilities

• Coordinate international research collaborations and joint projects;
• Identify and mobilize international funding and grant opportunities;
• Facilitate proposal development with faculties and researchers;
• Promote international publication and scholarly networking;
• Organize international conferences, seminars, and research forums;
• Support innovation, technology transfer, and applied research partnerships;
• Establish linkages with international research institutions and development agencies;
• Maintain records and databases of international projects and partnerships.

Key Focus Areas

• Collaborative research
• International grants and fundraising
• Research networking
• Innovation and knowledge transfer
• Research dissemination and publication

2. International Academic Affairs Coordinator

Major Responsibilities

• Coordinate student and staff exchange programs;
• Facilitate academic mobility and international scholarship opportunities;
• Support curriculum internationalization and global learning initiatives;
• Coordinate international admissions and support services for foreign students;
• Facilitate academic agreements including MoUs and dual/joint degree initiatives;
• Promote intercultural learning and global competency development;
• Coordinate international academic events and visiting scholar programs;
• Support accreditation and international academic quality initiatives.

Key Focus Areas

• Academic mobility
• International student services
• Curriculum internationalization
• Joint and dual degree programs
• Intercultural engagement
• Academic cooperation

Major Services of the Directorate

The Directorate provides the following services:

• Facilitation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
• International partnership coordination
• Student and staff mobility support
• International scholarship and fellowship information
• International research and grant support
• Hosting visiting scholars and delegations
• International conference coordination
• Academic exchange facilitation
• International student support services
• Institutional representation in global networks
• Global visibility and international communication support

Priority Areas of Internationalization

The Directorate focuses on:

• International collaborative research
• Global curriculum and accreditation
• Academic and scientific mobility
• International conferences and forums
• Digital internationalization
• Diaspora engagement
• International project development
• Institutional branding and visibility
• Capacity building for global competency
• Cross-border academic cooperation

Partnership Philosophy

The Directorate believes that international partnerships should:

• Address local and global challenges collaboratively;
• Promote sustainable development and innovation;
• Strengthen institutional capacity and research quality;
• Ensure mutual respect, reciprocity, and shared benefits;
• Contribute to social transformation, and knowledge exchange.

Future Directions

The Directorate envisions:

• Expanding strategic partnerships across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America;
• Establishing joint and dual degree programs;
• Increasing international student enrollment;
• Enhancing global research competitiveness;
• Positioning the university as a regional center for applied research and innovation;
• Strengthening international rankings and global academic visibility.

Contact Information

International Relations and Partnership Directorate (IRPD)

Office Location: Main Campus Administration Building
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: +251-917660150
Website: https://www.wollegauniversity.edu.et/
Postal Address: P.O. Box 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia

Dear Students:

It gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome you all to the new academic year of 2018 EC (2025). Whether you are a returning student or joining us for the first time, I commend you for choosing to pursue higher education – a journey that will shape not only your future, but also the future of our country. Your presence here is a testament to your courage, determination, and ambition.

Dear students: this university is your home of learning, growth, and transformation. You are at the heart of everything we do. We understand the challenges that come with higher education, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. Our university is fully committed to supporting you in achieving your academic goals and career aspirations. Your success is our success.

One of our top priorities this year is to ensure that every student is well-prepared for the national exit examinations. These exams are not merely assessments; they are gateways to professional and personal opportunities. Therefore, I urge each and every student to take their studies seriously, attend classes regularly, engage actively with instructors, and make full use of the academic resources available on campus. Consistent effort, curiosity, and discipline will take you far.

To our academic staff: I ask for your continued dedication to academic excellence. Let us remember that the quality of instruction and mentorship we provide has a direct impact on student learning outcomes and national exam performance. I encourage you to go the extra mile—offer guidance, provide timely feedback, and be present for your students. Your role is irreplaceable in shaping the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

To our administrative and management staff: your essential efforts behind the scenes play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our university. I call on you all to continue supporting the academic mission of the university by creating a student-friendly environment, ensuring timely services, and maintaining the efficiency and integrity of our systems. Every effort you make helps ease the students' path toward success.

Dear students, the journey ahead may present challenges, but every step will be meaningful and rewarding. Face those challenges (if any) boldly, with confidence and determination—and I hope you will overcome and succeed.We are on your side. We believe in your potential, and we are here to guide, support, and walk alongside you as you pursue your dreams. Make the most of your time here—ask questions, seek knowledge, collaborate, and grow.

Let us work together to make this academic year productive, meaningful, and successful for all. Welcome to a year of learning, achievement, and shared purpose.

Tesfaye Lemma (Associate Professor)
President, Wollega University
September 2025

New Year Message from the President of Wollega University (2018 Ethiopian Calendar)

Message from the President of Wollega University

WHO IS Dr.TESFAYE LEMMA?

Message of the President regarding 20th round Students' Graduation Ceremony of Wollega University.

Dear Graduates of 2017/2025,

Warmest Congratulations!

It is with great pride, joy, and a deep sense of gratitude that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our graduating students on this momentous occasion. Today marks the successful completion of a transformative academic journey one filled with challenges, discoveries, growth, and triumphs.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to your families, friends, and loved ones. Your journey would not have been possible without their unwavering support, encouragement, and sacrifice. They stood by you in times of challenge and triumph, and today, they share in your success.

Dear graduates: you have shown remarkable resilience, unwavering commitment, and exceptional hard work to arrive at this defining moment. Your perseverance through the demands of academic life, your adaptability in the face of adversity, and your drive to succeed reflect the strength of character and excellence that Wollega University strives to cultivate.

This graduation is especially meaningful as it comes during a new chapter in our institution’s history. As many of you know, Wollega University was differentiated as an Applied Science University. This change is more than just a label it is a bold step toward our future. Here after, our focus will be sharpened: to produce practical, innovation-driven graduates who can apply science and technology to solve real-world problems and improve lives across our communities and beyond. To that end, I encourage you, dear graduates, to be more than degree holders. Be creators of solutions, agents of change, and ambassadors of integrity and innovation. Let your education serve a higher purpose. Seek not only personal success, but societal contribution. Continue to learn, to question, to build and above all, to serve.

To our academic and administrative staff: I extend the university’s sincere appreciation for your dedication, mentorship, and tireless support throughout this academic year. Your contributions often unseen but deeply impactful have shaped the graduates we celebrate today. You have played a critical role in advancing the mission of this university, and we thank you for your continued service and commitment.

As we look toward the future, we envision Wollega University transforming into a vibrant, dynamic academic environment a center of excellence, relevance, and innovation. This vision, however, requires the collective effort of all of us. Progress demands collaboration, not competition; responsibility, not blame.

To all staff and stakeholders: let us embrace a culture where we focus on solutions, not problems. Let us commit ourselves to continuous improvement, open dialogue, and shared accountability. Our growth as a university will not be achieved by pointing fingers or retreating into silos, but by standing together with a shared purpose to uplift this institution and the generations it serves.

Finally, I leave you all students, staff, and community partners with this thought: the future of Wollega University depends not only on leadership at the top but on the everyday leadership we show in our roles, our relationships, and our responsibilities. Let us each be part of that future.

Once again, congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025. We are proud of you. Go forward with courage, curiosity, and commitment.

With deepest respect and warm wishes,

Tesfaye Lemma (Associate Professor)
President
Wollega University

June 2025

Under constraction

Dr. Tesfaye Lemma, recently appointed as President of Wallaga University, is a distinguished academic and development professional with over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, community engagement, and academic leadership. Born and raised in Wollega, Dr. Tesfaye completed his early education in Gulisso, Gimbi, and Dambi Dollo, and went on to earn a BSc in Agricultural Economics from Haramaya University, an MSc in Agricultural Extension from the University of Reading (UK), a Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Policy and Project Planning from the Institute of Social Studies (Netherlands), and a PhD in Rural Development from the University of Pretoria (South Africa).

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Tesfaye served as Associate Professor of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension at Haramaya University and held several leadership roles, including Research Vice President, Head of Outreach Programs, and Director of various research initiatives. He was instrumental in establishing the Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (ACE Climate SABC), securing a $6 million World Bank grant, and coordinating the Pan-African PASET-RSIF PhD scholarship program.

His research and leadership have focused on agricultural extension, innovation systems, climate change adaptation, market-oriented agriculture, and livelihood diversification. He has published over 50 works, including 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has worked with international research institutions such as ILRI and IFPRI. He also served as a national advisor on agricultural extension reform under the Ethiopian Economic Association and Agricultural Transformation Institute.

Dr. Tesfaye’s career reflects a strong commitment to rural development, capacity building, and policy analysis. He is married and the proud father of two daughters, Sena and Nahimi."

Dear Members of Wollega University Community and Esteemed national and international Partners,

It is with great pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I extend my message to you as the current head of the institution. Wollega University (WU) is one of the public higher learning institutions in Ethiopia located in the Oromia Region in the western part of Ethiopia. The University was established 17 years ago with three campuses located in Gimbi, Nekemte, and Shambu, and a specialized comprehensive teaching hospital. WU is located in a resourceful and strategically important area of Ethiopia. The area is known for its huge yet untapped potential for agriculture, mineral resource, nature-based as well as manmade tourism, indigenous institutions, and for its geopolitical importance including for its proximity to the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD). The latter would contribute towards facilitating economic integration in the Horn of Africa and beyond.    

 WU has been differentiated by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education as an Applied Sciences University. Accordingly, WU is strives to stand as a distinguished institution of applied sciences, committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community services. With a wide array of colleges, institutes, and schools, we endeavor to meet the evolving needs of our society and contribute meaningfully to national and global development. In recognition of local and national resource endowments, comparative and competitive advantages, strategic national development priorities and emerging global challenges, the University has identified Agriculture and Agro-processing, Health, Mining, and Manufacturing as its key focus areas for excellence.

Applied sciences universities are expected to play a special role in the endeavor for achieving sustainable socio-economic development at local, national, and global levels. Our ambition is to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also skilled, adaptable, creative and innovative, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of local community, industry, national economy, and humanity at large.  Teaching and learning are anticipated to be grounded in relevance and learning-by-doing. Our academic programs are designed to respond to the demands of the labor market while also addressing emerging opportunities and challenges at national and global levels.  Through hands-on training, industry linkages, and applied research projects, we ensure that our students graduate with the skills, mindset, and confidence required to excel in diverse fields and entrepreneurial activities. We continuously review and update our curricula to keep pace with the dynamic needs of society and the global economy. We are working on human resource development to ensure that our colleges and institutes have adequate number competent and dedicated scholars and professionals who bring academic rigor, practical experience, and a deep sense of service to their work.

Equally central to our mission is our focus on theme-based, applied and problem-solving research and innovation activities.  Faculty members and postgraduate students at WU would engage in theme-based research and innovation projects that tackle critical challenges. We aim to build a vibrant research and innovation culture that is locally grounded, globally informed, and solution oriented. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening partnership with industry, and international institutions, we ensure our research remains relevant, impactful, and transformative.

Moreover, community engagement is another cornerstone of our identity. As a public university, we recognize our responsibility to work hand-in-hand with the communities we serve. We aspire to provide transformative community services. Our outreach activities are designed to promote the application of research-based knowledge, build capacity, and promote inclusive development. We support a wide range of outreach programs including, agricultural development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, entrepreneurship, gender and youth empowerment, legal aid, education quality improvement, and local governance support. Our engagement efforts are grounded in mutual respect, shared learning, and sustainable impact.  

To support our mission, significant efforts are being made to expand and modernize our infrastructure. New facilities are under construction, and existing structures are undergoing renovation to create a conducive and inspiring environment. These developments are a testament to our unwavering commitment to educational quality and institutional growth.

An essential element of our continued growth lies in cultivating a strong, responsible institutional culture. Every member of Wollega University must embrace a sense of ownership, viewing the University as a shared home the advancement of which calls for collective action. It is the duty of each one of us to work diligently, ethically, and collaboratively to elevate the standing and strengthen the impact of our institution.

To our students, who represent the future of experts, leadership and innovation: we encourage you to see yourselves as the successors who will carry this institution forward. Your commitment to hard work, continuous learning, and skills development is essential not only for your personal success but also for the advancement of Wollega University and the nation at large.

In this spirit of global vision and mutual interests, we extend a warm invitation to potential  international partners universities, research institutions, development agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to collaborate with us in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. Whether through joint research, faculty and student exchanges, capacity-building initiatives, or technology transfer, we welcome partnerships that are based on mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to meaningful impact. In this regard, we have established an Office of Internationalization to foster partnerships with global institutions, promoting collaboration, academic mobility, and international engagement.

 Generally, in all our endeavors, our ultimate goal should be to make our University a vibrant, dynamic institution where talent flourishes, innovation thrives and everyone aspires to belong. Together, through perseverance, collaboration, and vision, we will build a university that not only meets the needs of today but shapes the promise of tomorrow.

Thank you.

Tesfaye Lemma (Associate Professor)

Wollega University President

WHO IS Dr.TESFAYE LEMMA?

Message of the President regarding 20th round Students' Graduation Ceremony of Wollega University.