By Sileshi Yilma/ Public & International Relations Directorate
Haramaya University’s Institute of Technology (IOT) announced that it is working to improve its capacity and is extending industry linkage with various stakeholders.
In an interview with HU FM 91.5, officials of the Institute said in order to build the capacity of its staff, training was organized few weeks ago on GIS and remote sensing.
“Department of Mechanical Engineering has also planned to offer training for the University’s drivers and their assistants in the coming months,” according to Girma Berhe, coordinator of IOT Research and Community Engagement Office.
IOT is also working with internal as well as external stakeholders in order to achieve its plans. The Institute sends its students to Menschen für Menschen in Harar for internship purposes.
“In addition, we are collaboratively working with Dense College in Debrezeit,” Dr. Asfaw Kebede, dean of IOT, explained adding that the students are sent there to acquire practical knowledge.
IOT is constructing various laboratories including an electrical laboratory. Expensive equipment have been bought and are still being bought. Installing the already bought equipment is underway, according to the dean.
“In the coming two years, we hope we will have practice-oriented institute which is better and suitable for users than what we have today,” Dr. Asfaw explained his vision.
IOT is also doing its level best to establish more industry linkages with various stakeholders. Using its recently launched wing, Research and Community Engagement Office, the Institute has already started this process.
“Last year, we signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a number of organizations including Ethiopian Sugar Corporation, Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy, and Oromia Water Works and construction Enterprise,” Girma recalled adding that the MOUs would be started to be implemented in the coming new academic calendar.