Haramaya University Hosts Workshop on Digital Transformation in African Higher Education
Haramaya University recently hosted a significant workshop focused on “Advanced E-Learning and Digital Transformation in African Higher Education,” bringing together educators, IT professionals, and university leaders from across the continent.
The event held from February 14-17, 2025, and addressed the urgent need for African universities to embrace digital transformation to remain competitive globally.
Dr. Mikiyas Hailu, ICT Director of Haramaya University and the Project Principal Investigator, highlighted the workshop’s objectives, which included practical training for faculty and IT administrators. Key areas covered included high-availability Moodle deployment; Office 365 integration, interactive content development, and IT service management. “These skills are vital for shaping the future of higher education in Africa and beyond,” Dr. Mikiyas emphasized.
The workshop fostered collaboration between Haramaya University and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Nigeria, among other institutions. Scholars and ICT professionals from both universities shared expertise on e-learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital information systems.
Dr. Kebir Ibrahim, Associate Professor of Computer Science at ATBU, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We have engaged in insightful discussions, shared valuable experiences, and explored innovative strategies to enhance digital education across the continent.”
Dr. Kebir added, “We will translate the knowledge gained here into action, sustain collaboration across institutions, and maintain the momentum generated by this workshop to drive meaningful progress.”
Dr. Abdi Mohammed, Vice President for Administration and Development at Haramaya University, delivered the closing remarks. He thanked ATBU for their valuable contributions and emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. “The exchange of ideas between our institutions highlights the power of collaboration in fostering innovation in higher education,” Dr. Abdi said. He reaffirmed Haramaya University’s commitment to digital transformation, stating, “We firmly believe that e-learning, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making are not mere trends but essential pillars of a modern and competitive education system.”
Participants praised the workshop’s practical focus and collaborative opportunities, noting the training on e-learning and AI would significantly benefit future teaching, learning, research, and community service initiatives.
Haramaya University, a leading Ethiopian institution, is committed to excellence in education, research, and community service. The university is at the forefront of digital transformation initiatives, striving to enhance the quality and accessibility of education across Africa.
Reporter:- Shemsedin Mohammed
Photographers:- Tewodros Lishan and Behailu Girma
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate