JIMMA (JU) – On 29th June 2019, Jimma University held a colorful graduation ceremony in the presence of members of the university senate, other invited guest and families of the graduates at the Jimma University Civic Center (JUCC) of the main campus. Professor Asmerom Legesse, a prominent scholar of Anthropology with extensive research on Oromo Gadaa System, has also been an honorable guest on the event.
A total of 2,683 students (2340 undergraduates and 343 postgraduate degrees) were graduated as Class of 2019. Of all the graduates, 1,259 are female. It was also reported that the University has graduated a total of 2,679 students at undergraduate and postgraduate (Master’s) level in November 2018 of which 238 were medical doctors. This makes the total number of graduates of the academic year to be 7,569 including the sum of the third round graduating students to be held on 6th July 2019.
The guest of honor of the event, President of Jimma University, Dr. Jemal Abafita highlighted the major focus areas and achievements of the University in the academic year during the graduation ceremony. Jimma University, as stated by the President, has committed itself to ensuring quality of education in collaboration with all relevant regional, national and international stakeholders and engaged in need based scientific researches on pertinent issues of high priority to the society in its surrounding areas and beyond. Its engagement with international research and academic institutions on projects of very relevant nature scaled up its ability to deal with practical socio-economic challenges and promoted its image at the international level.
The University, according to Dr. Jemal, has introduced a paperless/online planning, reporting and evaluation system and started reform measures at its medical center to ensure the delivery of modern and efficient service delivery system. As part of this reform, the University introduced the Digital Medical Record System in the academic year that will enable the accessibility of patients’ medical information online by the appropriate medical personnel.
Furthermore, the academic year has also been remarkable as a result the inauguration of grand facilities such as Jimma Medical Center, Jimma University Conference Center, JUCC and the University’s Sports Academy in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, PhD, and presidents of neighboring countries from Sudan and Djibouti. The new facilities, as stated by Dr. Jemal, added new inputs to enhance the quality of education and research in the institutions and making Jimma University a visible institution with the arts of the day facilities. The University, according to the President, was also able to elect members of the top management through a democratic process which in a way inculcated a new culture in to the institution.
Dr. Jemal finally advised the graduates stating that “today, you are going to open a new chapter in your life and what is waiting for you is a bright future ahead. You are fresh, motivated and youngsters who can make anything good to happen. Be ready to further educate yourself as knowledge and information flows in unending dynamic process of discovery and rediscovery. Be part of the same process to serve humanity. On top of everything, be rational; make the best use out of your knowledge, skills and abilities, to be patriots of peace, development, democracy and unity in your country. Your people and country are calling and you need to respond quickly with positive energy.”
At the subsequent stages, the Head of the Registrar Mr. Buruk Woldemichael and deans presented the graduates in their respective colleges and outstanding students from each program have also received awards from the guest of honor, Dr. Jemal Abafita, before the conclusion of the graduation ceremony.
Source: Jimma University