Haramaya University Drives Academic Innovation with National Curriculum Review
Haramaya University’s College of Social Science and Humanities (CSSH) successfully concluded a national curriculum review workshop on May 20, 2025, at its Resource Center.
This review workshop focused on seven academic programs—one PhD, five MA, and one BA—poised for implementation in the upcoming academic year, marking a pivotal step in the university’s commitment to delivering demand-driven and relevant education.
The newly reviewed and updated programs following extensive needs assessments include a PhD in History of Ethiopia and the Horn; MA programs in Culture and Heritage Studies, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching Afan Oromo, Afan Oromo Linguistics, and Afan Oromo Literature; and a BA in Political Science and International Relations.
During the workshop’s welcoming session, Dr. Mohammed Hassan, Dean of the College of Social Science and Humanities, underscored Haramaya University’s enduring legacy as one of Ethiopia’s oldest public universities. He highlighted its sustained engagement in learning, teaching, research, and community engagement, which has yielded hundreds of thousands of professionals vital to the nation’s socio-economic and political advancement.
Dr. Mohammed further emphasized the university’s recent designation as a “Research and Postgraduate University” and its forthcoming autonomy, which necessitates a broadened scope of scientific inquiry and problem-solving research.
Professor Mengistu Urge, Vice President for Academic Affairs, reiterated the university’s strategic imperative to develop new, market-responsive postgraduate programs aligned with its specialized areas, alongside revising existing offerings to meet contemporary market and pedagogical demands.
Prof. Mengistu also announced plans to launch online graduate education fields within the next few years, with the College of Social Sciences and Humanities playing a central role in this initiative. Currently, Haramaya University boasts a diverse portfolio of 72 undergraduate, 137 graduate, 6 specialty, 3 sub-specialty, and 46 third-degree programs.
The workshop convened a diverse group of participants, including senior and middle management from the university, key stakeholders from Harari Regional State and Dire Dawa City Administration, and esteemed external reviewers from various national universities. Seven detailed curriculum documents were presented, fostering a dynamic session of insightful comments, constructive criticisms, and valuable suggestions.
Dr. Ahmed Hasan from Addis Ababa University, an external reviewer specializing in Ethiopian studies, commended Haramaya University’s evolution from a foundational college into a highly reputed national institution. He stressed the critical importance of continuous program expansion and development through rigorous research, asserting that the new curricula will not only address national demands for skilled human resources but also significantly enhance the university’s international standing.
Ms. Misra Hassan, a curriculum language specialist, and Mr. Derseh Alemu, a community education specialist, both representing the Harari Regional Education Bureau, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to contribute. They remarked on the uncommon nature of such comprehensive stakeholder engagement in curriculum development within the country, affirming the national and international relevance of the newly introduced and revised programs.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Getachew Abebe, Director for Postgraduate Program Directorate, articulated the imperative for curriculum evolution, stating, “Curriculum must evolve over years to respond to and cope up with the complex and the dynamic nature of the world.” He noted that some reviewed curricula, such as TEFL, have been in use for decades, underscoring the necessity of incorporating new courses and modern instructional methodologies, including digital literacy and online delivery.
Dr. Getachew appealing to the assembled scholars for their continued support in ensuring the successful launch and sustained operation of these vital programs within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Reporter: Shemsedin Mohammad Photographer: Tewodros Lishan
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate