The Institute of Technology hosts and organizes the 5th National University Industry Linkage annual conference
With the theme coordinated university industry cooperation for Ethiopia’s industrialization, from 23-24 February 2018, the Institute of Technology at the University of Gondar hosted the 5th National University Industry Linkage annual conference. The conference that took place at Goha Hotel brought researchers from various universities and industries.
It is a known fact that developed countries have progressed in the past by integrating educational institutions with its industries. By working hand and hand the two driving forces of a country could actually make a sizable impact or even transform the economic landscape of a nation.
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As universities learn to cooperate with industries, the industries will then also have to work to support universities. This can only help Ethiopia realize its ultimate goal of industrialization. The University of Gondar President Dr. Desalegn Mengesha, the Amhara National Regional State Science, Technology and Information Communications Commission Commissioner Dr. Sebsibaw Atkaw, Academic Vice President Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, Director of the Institute of Technology Mr. Birhanu Mulat and the Higher Education Component Manager of STEP-GIZ Ms. Evelyn Blom were among the honored guests.
Dr. Desalegn Mengesha, President of the University of Gondar and Mr. Birhau Mulat, Director of IoT, gave welcoming speeches to the invited guests. Afterwards, the Higher Education Component Manager, Ms. Evelyn Blom opened the event sharing her insights into the relevance of partnerships between educational institutions and industries.
This annual conference is the 5th of its kind with previous conferences being held in other Ethiopian cities. The 4th annual conference was held in Dira Dawa and the 3rd in Bahar Dar. The University of Gondar’s Institute of Technology organized this event jointly with its main sponsor GIZ (a German non- governmental organization).
Presenters such as, Mr. Biniam Tufa (UoG) who designed a simulation of a Keg turner and palletizer machine, Mr. Geremew W/Mariam who came up with a concept that recycles rejected pet bottles and Mr. Peter W/Mariam who came up with BiT-BDU all contributed their fair share to industries in Ethiopia with their intellectual property.
The 2 day event saw numerous researchers present their ideas which may create opportunistic advantages for the country. One such presentation was from a current staff member at the University of Gondar Ms. Aziza Umer. Her digital notice board concept in fact has won a gold medal at an award ceremony a few months back at a science and technology completion.
Believing that paper is being wasted on notice boards she created a mechanism where a monitor digitally shows announcements. This saves paper, organizes announcements, deletes them automatically when they are set to expire and can be seen throughout the day.
The mission of University of Gondar’s Institute of Technology is to offer an outstanding and professionally oriented engineering and technology based education. With nearly 400 academic staff members, over 550 administrative staff and 20 foreign professors this high caliber institute will continue to make strides in the right direction.
The institute was established with the objective of responding to the needs of the rapid industrialization and the changing societal needs of the country to promote sustainable development. And with the vision of being the leading center of excellence and research technology in Ethiopia by 2025 the institute, being led by Mr. Birhanu Mulat, will play a vital role in shaping the society as we know it.
By: Samuel Malede| Public & International Relations Directorate
