Mekelle University Concludes Strategic Workshop on Outcome-Based Education and Research University Curriculum Reform

Mekelle University (MU) successfully concluded a high-level, two-day training and consultative workshop on January 10, 2026, focused on the institutionalization of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and the Research University (RU) Curriculum Framework.

The workshop was officially inaugurated by Dr. Abdelkader Kedir, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Mekelle University. In his keynote address, Dr. Abdelkader emphasized the necessity of aligning the university's academic portfolio with national higher education reforms. He underscored MU’s dedication to adopting learner-centered, competency-based, and evidence-driven pedagogical practices designed to enhance graduate employability, integrate advanced research into the classroom, and ensure local and global societal relevance.

The sessions convened a specialized cohort of vice deans, heads of quality assurance, and senior faculty members. Through intensive, hands-on modules, participants worked on:

Curriculum Alignment: Ensuring academic programs meet strict OBE standards.

Learning Outcomes: Defining precise program outcomes and comprehensive course mapping.

Prototype Development: Creating foundational models for the new Research University curriculum.

The training was facilitated by distinguished national experts, including Dr. Dinku Seyoum Zeleke from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and Dr. Endale Teju Bedada from Haramaya University. These experts provided the practical tools and frameworks necessary for rigorous curriculum redesign in accordance with national quality standards.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdelkader Kedir reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fully integrating these frameworks across all academic disciplines. He issued a call to action for all participants to immediately execute the agreed-upon action plans and to bolster continuous monitoring and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the long-term success of the reform.

This initiative positions Mekelle University at the forefront of Ethiopia's educational evolution, bridging the gap between academic theory and research-led innovation.