ADDIS ABABA – Akaki Polytechnic College has been awarded the ISO 9001-2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification in recognition of its efforts to enhance the learning environment and implement institutional reforms.
During the certification award ceremony yesterday, Akaki Polytechnic College Dean Tsegaye Adugna stated that the college received the certification by modernizing its learning environment, providing quality training to trainees, and implementing the Kaizen philosophy, which has significantly improved the college’s working atmosphere over time.
He added that the college has adopted various standards, including a digital library, e-learning, and online assessments, to ensure high-quality training and reform implementation.
“We are offering market-driven training programs, recruiting highly skilled trainees, and working with the World Bank (WB) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on various projects to obtain machinery support,” he said.
Tsegaye also noted that the college has been providing support and inspections for approximately 656 enterprises in the Akaki Kality sub-city, despite facing infrastructure challenges.
“We are creating a conducive learning environment and providing training for 3,316 youths to enhance their skills effectively. In the short term, we aim to increase our training capacity to 20,000 trainees,” he stated.
Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise (ECAE) Director General Eng. Meaza Abera emphasized the importance of maintaining quality in institutional products and services.
“Product quality is crucial, which is why the government has established a quality village. We have laboratories that assess the quality of 400 different products, audit producers, and certify products to ensure compliance,” she explained.
The ISO 9001-2015 certification affirms Akaki Polytechnic College’s commitment to sustaining high-quality training and a conducive learning environment. Meaza highlighted that institutions that adhere to such quality management systems are better equipped to prevent financial losses, enhance their reputation, and ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
She also stated that the certification and experience of Akaki Polytechnic College serve as a model for other colleges nationwide, encouraging them to adopt similar quality management practices for greater success.
“This certification was awarded following a rigorous evaluation and continuous follow-up process,” she concluded.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2025
