Debre Markos University Institute of Technology holds workshop on strengthening University- Industry Linkage for sustainable relationship among stake holders

Debre Markos University Institute of Technology holds workshop on strengthening University- Industry Linkage for sustainable relationship among stake holders under the presence of invited guests from Federal and regional government higher Officials, industries managers,Debre Markos University higher management bodies instructors and other concerned bodies in DMU Queen Sheba Hall,on 20 February 2020.

Doctor Tafere Melaku, Debre Markos University President delivering opening speech

Doctor Tafere Melaku, Debre Markos University President speaking at opening the workshop states that Industry is in its infant stage and yet not developed in the country. Thus, unless due emphasis is given for the sector, development cannot be realized. Therefore, Universities shall take their responsibilities in strengthening relations with the Industries and work together.

The improvement and development of industries is determined by the knowledge and skill of human beings working in it. Thereby, Universities should produce knowledgeable and skillful graduates who could benefit themselves, the institutions and the nation as well, Doctor Tafere remarked. The University and the management are very interested and willing to support and work together in strengthening University-Industry linkage, he concluded.

Doctor Abebe Tesfahun, Debre Markos University Institute of Technology Scientific Director warmly welcoming the participants says that the Institute has been giving practical trainings since its establishment for the students in the laboratories of the Institution to produce competent graduates.

In addition to this, students of the Institute have been sending students to different Industries though there is weak University- Industry Linkage, Doctor Abebe added.

Assistance Professor Genet Degu, Debre Markos University Research and Community Vice President, says that practice and commitment are mandatory to accomplish their aspirations and wishes by enhancing University and Industry linkage to produce knowledgeable and skillful graduates that could benefit themselves, industries and the country at large. Working at producing competent graduates also requires the consent of the industries to warmly welcome, guide and support the students during internship and externships since students will be the employees for the industries at the end. For this, University-Industry linkage needs to have organizational structure, Genet remarked. The discussion should also focus at the challenges and opportunities to strengthen University-industry linkage, she directed the participants.

Overview of University Industry linkage practice of Debre Markos University Institute of Technology,University Industry Linkage in the case of Ethiopian construction Industries and challenges and opportunities on University linkages were presented by Mr Abebe Demisew,DMU Institue Of Technology Managing Director,MssFanael Nigusie,Ethiopian Construction Industry UIL Director and Assistance Professor Balew Gizie,Mechanical Engineering Jimma Institute of Technology.

In the discussion held by the participants it is indicated that though there are policy and strategies for University Industry Linkage, the system has not yet developed. Graduates of Universities are not skillful to cope up with the existing world. Therefore, Universities need to see the challenges and seek for solutions for endowed resources for the development of the nation.

In order to strengthen University- industry relations, stake holders must be mutually beneficiary. Thus, internship and extern ship students should work in solving the existing problems and the industries should warmly welcome and support the students, participants suggested. This in turn will help the students to be skillful and innovators that would benefit the industries.

Finally, Universities shall focus at activities that could benefit the industries, participants agreed up on. The work shop is concluded in a visit paid on Debre Markos University institute of Technology laboratories. Participants of the workshop are awarded certificate of appreciation at last by Assistance Professor Genet Degu and Doctor Abebe Tesfahun.