Warm greetings,
I am Mengesha Ayene Ejigu, a former student and now the president of Bahir Dar University. I am honored to return to this distinguished institution that shaped my education and allowed me to contribute as a visiting scholar and researcher.
BDU's Vision for the Future
Bahir Dar University is a pioneering research university in Ethiopia and a source of national pride. We aim to become a leading research-intensive university in Africa and the first choice in Ethiopia by 2030.
Our vision is supported by a four-pronged mission: promoting advanced research and innovation aligned with Ethiopia’s needs, producing graduates with relevant skills for the job market, improving lives through evidence-based community engagement, and fostering technology transfer to solve real-world problems. We are committed to our core values: quality, pursuit of wisdom, excellence, innovation, social responsibility, diversity, and internationalization.
BDU's Rich History and Bright Future
Founded in 1999 through the merger of Bahir Dar Polytechnic and Bahir Dar Teacher’s College, Bahir Dar University has a rich history. In 2023/24, we celebrated our 60th diamond jubilee, reflecting our contributions to Ethiopian and international education and technology. Today, Bahir Dar University thrives with a dedicated staff of over 8,195 members, including researchers, professors, technical assistants, and administrative personnel. Our faculty includes 43 esteemed full professors, a testament to our commitment to academic excellence.
We are one of the largest universities in Ethiopia, serving over 40,000 students across 447 programs, including 115 undergraduate, 202 postgraduates, 105 PhD, 15 specialty & subspecialty, and 7 certificate programs.
Wisdom at the Source of the Blue Nile
Guided by our motto, "Wisdom at the Source of the Blue Nile," Bahir Dar University aims to drive beauty, development, and internationalization within Bahir Dar itself. The university played a pivotal role in securing Bahir Dar’s designation as a UNESCO educational city in 2015.
Among our 16 esteemed academic colleges and institutes, standouts include the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (Tibebe Ghion), the Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (Poly), and the Ethiopian Textile and Fashion Technology Institute (Selam Campus). These institutions are renowned for their semi-autonomous structure and leadership in their respective fields.
BDU: Working Together for a Brighter Future
While we acknowledge the progress Bahir Dar University has made, we are committed to continuous improvement. To solidify our position as a leading research university, I urge a focus on three key areas:
- Autonomy: Increased financial and budgetary autonomy will allow us to generate more resources and fulfill our mission more effectively.
- Structure and Staffing: Optimizing our structure and staffing allocation is crucial for efficient management and administration.
- Research Focus: An enhanced focus on research will enable us to deliver impactful results that benefit Ethiopia and the global community.
My Call to Action
Let us embrace our responsibility to serve our people and nation. By leveraging science and technology, we can accelerate progress and establish Bahir Dar University as an indispensable wellspring of knowledge for Ethiopia. Together, let's pioneer in transforming our institutional work culture.
BDU: Partnerships for Success
Collaboration has been instrumental in Bahir Dar University's journey. Our founding institutions benefited from partnerships with UNESCO and the Russian government. We continue to welcome collaboration across various disciplines, including science and technology, medicine, agriculture, and education. We invite you to visit us and explore potential partnerships.
In conclusion, I express my sincere gratitude to all who dedicate themselves to the continuous growth and development of Bahir Dar University. With your unwavering support, we can achieve remarkable things together.
Sincerely,
Mengesha Ayene Ejigu (PhD)
President, Bahir Dar University
25 June 2024, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia