National Workshop on Veterinary Education Action Plan Highlights Collaborative Efforts in Advancing Veterinary Education in Ethiopia
The National Workshop on the Veterinary Education National Action Plan (VEd NAP) for the 2020 Harmonized Veterinary National Curriculum was held on May 9, 2025, in Addis Ababa. Themed “Advancing Veterinary Education in Ethiopia,” the event brought together senior government officials, university leaders, and deans of veterinary colleges from across the country.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, President of the University of Gondar, emphasized the significance of the long-standing partnership between the University of Gondar and The Ohio State University. Initiated in 2009 through the efforts of Prof. Wondwossen Gebreyes under the Global One Health initiative, this collaboration has played a key role in advancing veterinary education in Ethiopia. Dr. Asrat also expressed gratitude to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its generous financial support, which has helped drive these efforts.
State Minister of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Kora Tushune, reaffirmed the Ethiopian government’s commitment to higher education as a cornerstone of national development and recognized the University of Gondar’s leadership in producing competent graduates, particularly in veterinary medicine. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of the University’s collaboration with The Ohio State University in developing a curriculum aligned with the World Organization for Animal Health’s day-one competencies, which informed the 2020 national veterinary curriculum. He called on all universities and stakeholders to actively support the implementation of the National Action Plan to ensure the production of qualified veterinary professionals who can strengthen animal health services and contribute to public welfare.
Key speaker of the day, Dr. Muhammed Hamid, Vice-Chair for the Deans Council, highlighted the role of veterinary education in food security and the overall well-being of a country like Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s efforts in strengthening veterinary education ensure graduates’ preparedness and quality veterinary services, despite challenges in accessing quality practical training and off-site placements. He added that the Ethiopian Veterinary Education Forum plays a key role in advancing veterinary education and practice in Ethiopia.
During the event, Prof. Armando Hoet, the Project Manager, presented on the governance structure of the National Action Plan, followed by staff from the University of Gondar who outlined the roles of various committees and task forces focused on curriculum development, academic staff training, student career readiness, academicians’ incentive programs, veterinary service expansion, veterinary medicine national archives, and more. Prof. Armando emphasized that the curriculum twinning process aims to address concerns about ensuring a contextually relevant curriculum. This session was followed by a roundtable discussion focused on institutional commitments to support the committees and task forces in successfully implementing the Veterinary Education National Action Plan.
Participants welcomed the workshop as timely, particularly in light of the recently endorsed National Health and Welfare Proclamation. They noted the importance of private sector collaboration in providing practical exposure for both faculty and students.
The afternoon session was dedicated to participants’ suggestions regarding the selection of members of each committee and task force in line with the specific activities each team is expected to implement. Prof. Tsegaw Fentie presented next activities, including the deans’ council defining committee and task force work, appointing members from their respective VEEs, launching webinars with all the committee and task force members, and internal selection among members.
In closing, Dr. Kassahun Tegegne, Academic Vice President of the University of Gondar, said that the hardest part is already over. What remains is the implementation of the harmonized veterinary education curriculum. Finally, he encouraged everyone to take their assignments seriously and contribute to the implementation since a successful implementations leads to international accreditation of academic programs. He also acknowledged the Gates Foundation, participants, and the organizers.
***************************************
Devoted to Excellence!
Public Relations Directorate
May 9, 2025
