A team of scholars from Peking University visits Hawassa University.

The President of Hawassa University, Dr. Ayano Berasso, warmly received a team of scholars from Peking University, China, on August 22/2023.

Dr. Ayano extended a gracious welcome to the visiting scholars and highlighted on HU's extensive expertise in effectively executing collaborative projects, the strong potentials for staff and students exchange programs, designing joint scholarship schemes for the young and energetic staff of HU as human capacity building strategy, and strengthening labs and research centers based on mutual interest from both institutions.

Dr. Emebet Bekele, Director General of OERC at HU, briefly presented Hawassa University's general profile, emphasizing on key research and academic priority domains for potential collaborations and partnerships. She also highlighted the university's achievements that are in alignment with its overarching strategic plan. Dr. Emebet also added that HU has been offering undergraduate programs in Chinese language and literature, which is the only collaboration with China, and is currently planning to launch a Master's degree program.

Dr. Eng. Fisiha Getachew, V/President for Academic Affairs at HU, on his part emphasized on the pivotal role of international collaboration in ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and research outcomes. He also underscored the importance of developing joint academic programs and research initiatives across various domains to enhance the university's overall performance.

Dr. Tafesse Matewos, V/President for Research & Technology Transfer at HU, further stated that the university has been actively working with several international partners in North-South collaborations, but highly limited in South-South partnership. He suggested that it would benefit both universities to share experiences and emphasized the importance of fostering cultural exchange and collaboration in various domains, potentially through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and proceeding from there.

The team of visiting scholars composed of senior professors and PhD candidates at Peking University also expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Hawassa University, one of the prestigious universities in Ethiopia. They also shared insights about Peking University which was founded in 1898 during the Qing Dynasty, evolved into a prestigious institution despite challenges such as relocations and the Cultural Revolution. They also implied that Peking University's engagement in modernization and its post-reform revitalization have positioned it as a globally recognized research and education hub across various fields.

Lastly, they had on campus tour and observed the Confucius classrooms at Hawassa University.