Keeping with continental collaboration UoG Hosts Gadarif University, Sudan
On January 11, 2023 the University of Gondar hosted Gadarif University, Sudan and pledged to work together for the betterment of both educational institutions. Representatives of the Sudanese delegation included Professor Ibtisam Eljack, Vice Chancellor of University of Gadarif, Dr. Refat Eisa, Secretary for Academic Affairs, Mr. Adam Babekir, focal point of Ethiopian Universities Relation and Mr. Nazar Omer, Executive Director of the Vice Chancellor.
The University of Gondar, this past week, made it a priority to host and strengthen bonds with continental and regional institutions. With the aim of bolstering the potential of African nations, the President of the University of Gondar made sure to focus on the Horn of Africa to enhance partnership and foster a shared future for the region.
The University of Gadarif was established in 1994 and founded their educational institution to provide quality education, research and community development. With a total of thirteen faculties the university prides itself on providing three imperative aspects: knowledge, education and skills. As one in a number of Universities in Sudan the University of Gadarif is slowly gaining prestige and is a member of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, and the Foundation for Advancement of international Medical Education and Research (FAIMER).
When speaking on the day the President of the University of Gondar alluded to the Ethio-Sudan relations of old and shared that those days are not a distant memory. When speaking on the matter Dr. Asrat shared, “It is a well-known fact that thousands of Ethiopians fled their country during the Dictatorship of the Derg regime, and the Sudanese people embraced and cared for them as their own while they were being journeyed to Europe, the United States, and other foreign lands. During this unforgettable time in the history of the two countries Ethiopians from all over built a fondness and love for the Sudanese culture, traditions, customs and music. Even till this day, there are still many Ethiopians living in their second home of Sudan.”
If Ethio-Sudan relations are able to build on this basis of knowledge and understanding, the development potential between the two countries is enormous. Lack of foresight, has left the immense potential untapped for decades. To this end, Dr. Asrat has shared that both institutions have a great responsibility as universities of the respective countries, especially being universities near the border areas.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Gadarif also shared the same sentiments. Professor Ibtisam expressed, I have faith that our partnership will produce genuine research to further relations and enhance people to people links on a strong platform for communities to help solve their deep-rooted problems.” Because of the close distance of the two universities there is ripe opportunity to work together and make a sizable impact on the lives of the tens of millions who inhabit the region. Some of the possible areas of collaboration include creating a joint research center, assigning Amharic and Arabic language teachers to respective universities and staff student exchange.
In 2016 the two university signed an agreement that focuses on multiple areas of interest, the least not being opening up an Amharic language program in the University of Gadarif and likewise establishing an Arabic program at the University of Gondar. Moving forward the implementation to make these plans a reality is in the works and in a new renewed spirit of partnership both presidents’ signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding on this day.
