Jimma University President Outlines Vision for Institutional Autonomy and Global Impact in Address to Academic Staff

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Jimma University President Dr. Dereje Engeda convened a meeting with the university’s academic staff today, outlining a strategic vision focused on institutional autonomy, research excellence, and the development of globally capable graduates.
During the address, Dr. Dereje detailed the university’s ongoing journey toward autonomy, touching on institutional and financial independence as well as student policy and selection processes. He framed the shift as a fundamental reorientation of the university’s mission.
“We must move from covering the curriculum to developing capable global citizens and graduates,” Dr. Dereje told the assembled faculty. “And we must transition from mere research activity to research excellence and impact.”
The President emphasized that the measure of the university’s research should no longer be limited to publication counts. “The question is not only, ‘How many papers did we publish?’ but also, ‘What changed because of our research?'” he said, calling for expanded efforts in technology transfer, policy influence, and industry collaboration.
He also stressed the need to move from measuring activities to measuring outcomes and impact, urging the university to focus on tangible results rather than mere processes.
Dr. Dereje further urged a shift in institutional mindset, moving from a focus on “my department” to “our JU”—a call for unity and shared ownership across the university.
He outlined his expectations for academic staff, calling for excellent teaching that gives students the best, meaningful research that generates knowledge that matters, and mentorship that develops students and future academics. He also urged faculty to pursue community engagement that uses expertise to solve real problems, institutional citizenship that builds JU beyond individual departments or colleges, innovation and entrepreneurship, and international engagement.
Following his presentation, the President opened the floor to the audience. Staff members forwarded their questions, suggestions, and contributions toward the autonomy of Jimma University, engaging in an open dialogue on the way forward.
The meeting signals a renewed push at Jimma University to align its academic and research activities with national development priorities and global standards.
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