Jimma University’s College of Law and Governance (CLG) has made the successful completion of a National Curriculum Review Workshop for its new Bachelor of Arts program in Political Science and International Relations (PSIR).
The workshop, held at the CLG AC Hall, convened experts to finalize a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with national priorities and international standards, setting the stage for accreditation and the program’s upcoming launch.
In a compelling keynote address, University President Dr. Jemal Abafita emphasized the program’s importance for Ethiopia’s future. “We are forging a new path crafting a curriculum that will shape the leaders, scholars, and diplomats of tomorrow,” he remarked. Dr. Jemal illustrated the curriculum’s significance by referencing contemporary issues such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), highlighting the interplay between domestic politics and international relations. He also pointed out Ethiopia’s unique position as a landlocked nation, stressing the complexities of port access and its implications for geopolitics and regional cooperation.
A Curriculum Rooted in Research
The new program stems from a thorough, evidence-based development process. Dean of CLG Dr. Rahel Assefa explained that the curriculum was shaped by an extensive needs assessment involving stakeholders from government agencies, universities, international organizations, and civil society across Ethiopia and its neighbors.
Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Committee, Dr. Idris Yeba, outlined the rigorous development steps, which included:
- Surveys from 87 potential employers.
- Interviews with scholars from seven universities.
- Analysis of 22 comparable international programs.
- Focus group discussions with 24 subject matter experts.
The program garnered enthusiastic support from esteemed external reviewers. Professor Minhaj Alam from Haramaya University lauded the initiative as “one of the most comprehensive stakeholder analyses we have encountered,” effectively filling gaps in existing programs. Dr. Tadesse Aklog from Bahir Dar University provided constructive feedback while endorsing the curriculum for implementation, recognizing it as a “significant contribution to Ethiopian higher education.”
Internal reviewers Dr. Girma Defere and Dr. Fikadu Tolossa emphasized the program’s alignment with national development goals and its unique connection to Jimma’s historical legacy in governance and diplomacy under leaders like Abba Jifar II. Dr. Tadesse Habtamu, Vice President for Academic Affairs, congratulated the college and announced that the university will pursue immediate accreditation from the Ethiopian Training Authority to facilitate a prompt launch. In his closing remarks, Dr. Teklu Gemechu, Director of Academic Programs, praised the development team and highlighted the importance of incorporating contemporary themes such as digital politics and cyber diplomacy.
This program positions Jimma University as a leader in diplomatic and policy education in Ethiopia. By integrating Ethiopian knowledge systems with global methodologies, the PSIR program aims to cultivate critically thinking graduates ready to tackle complex geopolitical challenges and enhance Ethiopia’s standing on the global stage.
