Haramaya University and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Partner to Strengthen Procurement, Environmental, and Social Governance
Haramaya University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Nigeria, to foster institutional collaboration in procurement management as well as environmental and social governance. The agreement signed by Dr. Jemal Yousuf, President of Haramaya University, and Professor Rufus Shito, Deputy Head of the Center for Procurement, Environmental, and Social Governance at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University.
The primary objective of the partnership is to deliver specialized training programs in procurement, environmental management, and social governance for leadership and operational staff at Haramaya University. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Jemal Yousuf stated that the agreement is crucial for ensuring the proper utilization of public funds and for developing leadership and staff who deeply understand environmental and social dynamics, ultimately contributing to high-quality education and research.
Reaffirming Haramaya University’s commitment to executing the agreement, Dr. Jemal emphasized the importance of homegrown solutions under the principle of “African solutions to African problems.” He also called upon universities across the continent to join regional networks such as the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) to further strengthen collaborative efforts.
Professor Rufus Shito noted that the partnership marks a vital milestone in enabling Pan-African institutional self-reliance. Highlighting that both institutions share a strong foundational heritage in agricultural sciences, Professor Shito remarked that this agreement opens doors for broader joint endeavors in the future, including potential student and academic exchanges.
Adding technical context, delegation member Professor Lami Nnamonu explained that the training will be conducted in a two-tiered model. Experts from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University will first conduct Train-the-Trainer sessions, after which the newly certified local trainers will continue building capacity at Haramaya University under JOSTUM’s ongoing supervision.
The training will focus on financial prudence, effective public procurement, and managing environmental and social frameworks.
During their visit, both institutions presented papers outlining their respective operational activities and held a discussion sessions.
The Nigerian delegation concluded their visit with a tour of Haramaya University’s facilities and operational sites for a professional knowledge exchange, expressing their sincere gratitude for the hospitality extended to them throughout their stay.
Reporter:- Aweke Ayalneh
Photographer:- Tewodros Lishan
Haramaya University Public and International Relations
“Building the basis for Development!”
Tags: Environmental Governance, Haramaya University, higher education, institutional collaboration, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Procurement, Social Governance, university partnership
