Addis Ababa University (AAU) held an intellectual discussion regarding the 2015 E.C. Fiscal Year plan at Eshetu Chole Meeting Hall on Monday, 15 August 2022.

Abdurazak Mohammed (PhD), AAU Chief Planning Officer, told the staff reporter that it is a crucial council meeting of the University attended by colleges’ deans and heads of each academic department as well as the president of the University.

The purpose of the meeting, according to Dr. Abdurazak, was to review the performance report for the previous Fiscal Year (2014 E.C) and approve the current plan through discussion.

Dr. Abdurazak stated that the activity plan regarding the previous Fiscal Year of the University has been mostly implemented as intended to be except for some minor issues. Registering remarkable results through publishing high research findings in reputable international journals was one of the successful activities in the year, he said.

“Our research publications have boosted regularly and the budget allocated for research has been increased; conferences and important discussions on research have enhanced; thus our University has been able to gain international fame, respect and acceptance,” he added.

The Chief Planning Officer further stated that performance in terms of research as well as the teaching and learning activity, was done well as scheduled including students’ class attainment and graduation.

Dr. Abdurazak said new postgraduate programs will be commenced; improved curricula will be designed and implemented; encouraging teaching and learning performance of the previous year would be strengthened in the next Fiscal Year.

According to Dr. Abdurazak, AAU will entirely work in expanding urban agriculture, especially in its Zwai, Batuna and Bishoftu campuses outside of Addis to strengthen the agricultural activities practised in different colleges of the University in Addis.

Professor Tasew Woldehanna, President of AAU, on his part said that the growth of research publications and the profile of the teaching staff as a research university are very encouraging and they can also be even increased to a better level next.

Prof. Tassew also explained that the soft skills training being given to the students by the Student Career Development Centre has been implemented and practised in an encouraging way and that should be strengthened as well as further enhanced in the next budget year.

Reporter: Theodros Shewangizaw

Photo: Fikremariam Beyene

Editor: Abraham Girmay