President’s message

Welcome to Jimma University

Jimma University’s motto “We are in the Community!” extends to all levels of the university, including the leadership.  Jimma University is accessible and responsive to inquiries and exchanges with all sectors of the campus community. Openness and transparency are emphasized and positive and constructive discourse with the leadership of JU helps in moving the institution forward. Visitors to JU find the leaders of the institution friendly and curious about their experiences at JU and show Ethiopia’s famous hospitality to all newcomers on campus. We engage the broader campus community in a variety of ways, and it is not uncommon to see the top management engaging casually with students, faculty, foreign guests and staff. Through this, the cohesiveness of the campus community is strengthened, and a truly unique collaborative environment is created.

We emphasis on what is next for Jimma University and work towards continuing to maintain Jimma University as the leading public institution of higher education in Ethiopia. The development of the University and expansion of facilities is clearly evident on arrival at the campus, with new administrative buildings, sports stadiums, laboratories, ICT facilities, a hotel and classroom facilities being built throughout the campus.

Jimma University also emphasizes areas of critical importance to the character of the institution, and among these include gender equality, which is evident in the ongoing efforts to increase the number of female faculty members and leadership positions throughout campus. Female students at Jimma University also get extensive and holistic attention from the institution and the goals of increasing the number of female university graduates is ensured with great effort by the leadership of the institution.

We also recognize the importance of traditionally marginalized groups in the creation of a campus community, and JU’s leadership is highly proactive in ensuring people with disabilities and other groups are welcome and comfortable as members of the Jimma University community.

Our leadership has also been active in ensuring the campus is a diverse setting with individuals from various backgrounds and regions. Students come from all regions of Ethiopia, including developing regions such as Afar, Gambella, and Somali region. The leadership has also been proactive in making Jimma University a regional and African academic institution, and have worked towards bring students from Somaliland, South Sudan, as well as Gambia, Nigeria, and Zambia to the campus community.

We are emphatic about international collaboration, and foreign guests are able to engage in meaningful discourse with JU’s leadership throughout their time at the University. JU is always seeking new international partnerships and is adamant about ensuring the success of long running joint projects with international partners. Internationalization has been designated a core philosophy of Jimma University, and JU’ works towards creating a truly global institution in a variety of ways.

We also recognizes the significance of public-private partners for 21st century development, and in the preparation of students for industry upon graduation. Through innovative programs such as those with ABH Healthcare and Lucy Consulting Engineering, the leadership is paving the way for Jimma University to be among the most industry friendly higher education institutions in not just Ethiopia but in Africa.

Thank you for your interest and we welcome you to explore our website. Your interest and enthusiasm are highly valued and appreciated

Sincerely,