The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) and the Addis Ababa University discussed on possible areas of mutual collaboration geared towards further enhancing bilateral relations between the private sector and higher institutions on Dec. 7, 2009 at the Chamber’s Hall.
Ato Eyessuswork Zafu, President of the Ethiopian and the Addis Ababa Chambers of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, said on the occasion that he is delighted to meet and discuss with officials of the university as the partnership between the two parties would contribute to economic development of the nation.
Ato Eyessuswork also reiterated that education should help foster socio-economic development so that the society would ultimately be beneficiary of development gains. Despite the dire need for partnership between higher institutions and the private sector, the existing relations between the two parties hasn’t reached to the desired level, he added.
Dr. Geberhiwet Ageba, Dean of the Facility of Business and Economics at the Addis Ababa University, said during the discussion that the University is desirous to work closely with the private sector in the area of internship, joint research undertaking, and in curriculum designing. He also underscores the need to establish Joint Advisory Board (JAB) that oversee the implementation of education programs, provide feedback regarding the quality and competence of new university graduates and give strategic direction.
Once internship (attachment) program is made part of the curriculum, placing students into practical learning situation will be essential. Hence, the private sector would be expected to receive students, who would enroll in this new program, for internship program, added the Dean.
The Addis Ababa University is working in partnership with Center for the African Studies of the California University to ensure that the former continues to add value in terms of what it does to the growth and development of the resource of this country, Mr. Adrew Apter, Director of the African Studies at the California University, said. On the part of ECCSA, Ato Admasu Adane, Board member, Ato Gashaw Debebe, Secretary General, and Ato Ali Suleiman, Department Head for Public and International Relations and on the side of the University, Mr.Andrew Apter, Ms. Azeb Tadesse and Dr. Clakdia Mitchell-Kernan were in attendance.