Center for Research and Consultancy in Ethics and Integrity Hosts In-campus Seminar
Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU), Center for Research and Consultancy in Ethics and Integrity hosted its 23rd In-campus seminar on April 15, 2024 at training hall. Presence of the eminent Dr. Arega Yirdaw, President of Unity University and Board Member of Civil Service University. The theme of the Seminar was: Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Higher Education: implication for Autonomy .
Dr, Arega spoke in length about ECSU’s needs to concentrate on teaching and learning as well as research and community services, which, in his opinion, have not received enough attention at national level; this has to happen if it is to be effective. Furthermore, according to him, by offering fresh, creative ideas, thought-provoking talks, instructive seminars, short trainings that solve problems and benefit the community and industry, and by guiding the intuition with knowledge and a well-defined plan and direction, it is possible to attain the intended success while essentially setting it free from undue interferences from the government or any other un-called for bodies.
Dr. Arega explained his Practical example on university –Industry linkage in relation to public private partnership (PPP). Currently, educators bring a paradigm shift for development and the systems also need academic entrepreneurship. Besides, shifting in to digital technology, the systems is required to have advanced knowledge. Otherwise, we could not move forward one-step having only our past experience.
‘Knowledge is power; capital follows knowledge, and universities are source of Knowledge. As a result, industry used spinoff from knowledge and become beneficiary’’. If the university was to be a government-owned enterprise or operates under a public private partnership (PPP) scheme, and carried out significant community service on its own, it would be fantastic, he emphasized.
ECSU should also look for ways to raise revenues from sources other than the governmental budget, be it through research or other revenue-generating endeavors. At the same time, it also ought to adhere to the government's budget for science and research by carrying out projects that the government has faith in. Collaborating with experts in the field to do research and receive royalties would also be a smart move. Although it is not a complete paradigm shift, it is necessary to adapt a new approach in the future. In this regard, I believe that it is important to change PPP model to the UIG (university, Industry, Government) model in which universities generate Knowledge, Industries get out of labor based working style and government creates enabling environment to integrate the relationship among them. Dr Arega said in conclusion.
He also gave detailed explanation and his practical experience on Public-Private Partnership (PPP), recognizing that the private sector is essential to support the country's economic growth and improve the quality of public services, he also explained his key experiences in the project development process.
Following the completion of the seminar, the attendees expressed their warm appreciations to Dr. Arega for sharing his experience drawing from his extensive and success filled career. Dr, Arega on his part said he was glad to have had the opportunity to share his life and professional experiences with such an enthusiastic audience.
Dr. Arega Yirdaw has completed his Bachelor, Master, and Doctorial degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education respectively .He has spent ten years at Ethiopian Airlines as Engineer, supervisor, and Manager .He has published different books: “The role of Governance in Quality of Education in Private Higher Education Institutions’’ Ethiopia as a case study , and “Managing Organizational Structure and Managing Gold Mine Production and Operation”
Academic staff, vice president for Research and Partnership and Academic Affairs, students and others were part of the event.