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The Ethiopian Public Service University (EPSU) has commenced a Competency Framework Training for its Curriculum Review and Design Teams starting from October 20, 2025. The training focuses on integrating competency-based approaches into curriculum design and development, in alignment with the university’s renewed mission and national reform directions.

During the opening session, Dr. Nigus Tadese, President of EPSU, delivered a welcoming address in which he highlighted that, following a national study and institutional restructuring, the university has embarked on a new chapter. He emphasized that one of the institution’s top priorities in this new phase is curriculum review and the design of new academic programs based on a competency-based framework. He also underlined the importance of embedding the National Competency Framework into all academic programs.

Also present at the opening was Dr. Mekuria Haile, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Civil Service Commission, who stressed that all universities in Ethiopia are expected to play a backbone role in advancing public administration and reform. He pointed out that capacity development is a central pillar in this process and that curriculum development should be guided by both technical and behavioral competencies.

Dr. Mekuria further noted that graduates of EPSU’s competency-based programs will not only receive professional certification but will also be well-equipped to lead in public administration, manage public sectors, and perform effectively across various government institutions. He also emphasized that EPSU should serve as a model institution for other universities in implementing competency-based curriculum design.

Moreover, Dr. Mekuria reaffirmed that EPSU’s programs should align with its new mission and reform-oriented direction, aspiring to become a Center of Excellence for Service Delivery Reform. He outlined key expected outcomes of the university’s transformation, including: Establishing itself as a national hub for service excellence and competency-based education, Producing skilled professionals through practical and competency-driven training, Expanding its competency-based training system, and Strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders and institutions.

During the day’s training sessions, experts from the Civil Service Commission presented detailed explanations of the National Competency Framework for Civil Servants, including both the Behavioral and Technical Competency Framework Documents. Participants also engaged in in-depth discussions on how these frameworks could be effectively incorporated into curriculum review and program design processes at the university.