Jimma University hosted a national workshop on “Strengthening Doctoral Education in Ethiopia: From Supervision Training to Research Excellence” from August 24–29, 2026.
The workshop brought together academic vice presidents, directors of postgraduate schools, coordinators, and PhD candidates from Jimma, Addis Ababa, Ambo, Arba Minch, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, and Mekelle universities, together with partners from Ghent University and Impetus Academy.
The workshop provided a platform for sharing experiences and best practices in doctoral education, with particular emphasis on the IQ-GEAR and Ethiopian Superstars projects and their contributions to strengthening PhD supervision and research capacity in Ethiopia.
Opening the workshop, the Vice President for Academic Affairs of Jimma University emphasized that the rapid expansion of doctoral education must be matched by stronger supervisory capacity. He noted that effective PhD supervision is a professional competency that requires training, practice, institutional support, and continuous development.
He called on universities to institutionalize the Ethiopian PhD Competency Framework, e-portfolio, and supervision training through senate legislation, postgraduate handbooks, staff development plans, and appropriate budgets. He also urged participants to establish concrete follow-up mechanisms with clear responsibilities and timelines.
Dr. Kasahun Eba, Local Coordinator of IQ-GEAR, presented an overview of the partnership, now in its second phase (2022–2027), jointly coordinated by Jimma and Ghent universities. He highlighted its four areas of intervention: postgraduate education, research collaboration, ICT and library services, and stakeholder engagement.
Prof. Bruno Levecke, Flemish Coordinator, and Dr. Teklu Gemechu presented the development, piloting, and evaluation of the Ethiopian Superstars PhD Supervision Training Program. A panel discussion with directors of postgraduate schools explored ways of institutionalizing the training. Newly trained Ethiopian Superstars from Arba Minch, Bahir Dar, Jimma, and Mekelle universities were also certified during the workshop.
The workshop further featured Buna Session XL, providing PhD candidates from participating universities an opportunity to present and discuss their research in areas including food production and safety, environment, public health, economics, and education.
Closing the workshop, Dr. Eba Mijena, CEO for Academic Affairs at the Ministry of Education, emphasized that PhD supervision training should become a routine and mandatory university activity rather than a project-based initiative. He called on the seven universities to establish a structured consortium with clear objectives, mandates, and shared resources, including laboratories, supervisors, and trainers. He also encouraged the development of joint PhD programs and confirmed the Ministry’s commitment to bringing the universities together.
Dr. Eba further indicated that the Ethiopian PhD Competency Framework would be considered in doctoral program reviews.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening doctoral supervision, promoting research excellence, and expanding institutional collaboration in doctoral education across Ethiopia.
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