BISHOFTU — The Ethiopian Defense University is providing academic and professional training to both local and neighboring country students, aiming to become a top-five African university and regional center of excellence..
Speaking at a graduation ceremony held yesterday, the university President Brigadier General Kebede Regassa stated that students from countries such as Rwanda and Tanzania are currently enrolled in various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including engineering, health sciences, business, and social sciences.
“We are proud to provide training to students from East African nations. This reflects our growing regional reputation and commitment to academic excellence,” Brig. Gen. Kebede noted.
He added that the university is continuously expanding and upgrading its academic offerings, focusing on problem-solving research, community service, and innovation. As part of this effort, an incubation center has been established within the university to support student-led innovations and contribute to institutional transformation.
The university has also opened a branch campus in Modjo town, aimed at increasing accessibility and strengthening its engagement with local communities through various training and development initiatives.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, the university has launched a green initiative, aiming to plant 20,000 tree seedlings and develop 165 hectares of land for agricultural purposes. This effort is intended not only to promote environmental conservation but also to help the university generate income and work toward self-sufficiency in key agricultural products.
Delivering the closing remarks at the ceremony, Minister of Defense Eng. Aisha Mohammed highlighted the importance of developing a skilled and professional defense workforce capable of supporting Ethiopia’s growing domestic defense industry.
“Equipping our defense personnel with advanced knowledge and skills is vital to achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing,” she said. “The government is formulating strategic policies to ensure that our armed forces are well-trained, knowledgeable, and capable.”
Minister Aisha also urged the university to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange with other academic institutions in Ethiopia, positioning itself as a national center of excellence in defense education and research.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 13, July 2025
