Chemistry department was launched in 2007 by taking more than fifty undergraduate students. The department also commenced postgraduate study in four Chemistry streams (Analytical, Organic, Inorganic and Physical) in the academic year of 2014/15.

Vision, Mission and Values of the Department

Vision

Under the umbrella of Wollega University, the Chemistry Department prepares students for a diverse and changing world through enabling students in gaining experience in a laboratory setting, develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment and provision of electives in ones area of interest.. We strive to contribute to a chemically literate society through teaching―with classrooms, laboratories, research, and service. By the year 2012 E.C we will be among the first quartile departments in our University and country and have the staff with assistant professor and above to be 60%.

Mission

The Chemistry Department is aimed to produce competent and innovative professionals by providing rigorous preparation of citizens whose career paths require expertise in chemistry. We are dedicated to rigorous standards for content knowledge, communication skills, research quality, and professional behavior. We are committed to demonstrating science as a human endeavor and as a way to understand the natural world. Our mission also includes community service activities that inform the general public on Chemistry-related disciplines and assist in attracting Grade-12 students within the region into science-related studies. The staffs in the Chemistry Department see themselves as resources for our units, university, western region of Ethiopia, Oromiya state, Ethiopian nation, and world.

Values

We the staffs of the Department of Chemistry value:

ü  Academic freedom, innovation and creativity

ü  The development of knowledgeable and inquisitive students in the chemical professions

ü  Quality undergraduate research opportunities designed to make involvement in state of the art chemical research a part of a student's chemistry education

ü  Access to a quality education in chemistry for a diverse range of students.

ü  Rigorous standards for teaching and learning as well as effective and innovative teaching practices.

ü  A collaborative, collegial, and cooperative teaching and learning community composed of diverse scholars.

ü  The synergistic relationship of teaching, scholarship, and service.

Department directives (Goals)