The President of Wollega University, Dr. Tesfaye Lemma, together with Dr. Endalkachew Mosisa, INDMET Project Coordinator at WU, paid a working visit to the University of Stavanger and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Oslo from 15–22 September 2025. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new areas of collaboration.
Wollega University’s College of Engineering and Technology has been implementing the INDMET project in partnership with the Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering at the University of Stavanger and Jimma University. The INDMET project aims to enhance institutional capacity in design and manufacturing education and training. During the visit, Dr. Endalkachew Mosisa presented the project performance report and activity plan, which were discussed with stakeholders. Dr. Tesfaye Lemma also delivered a presentation on Wollega University’s profile and priority areas for collaboration. The session was attended by vice deans for academics and research, the head of department, international office representatives, and INDMET principal investigator, Professor Hirpa Lemu. The NORAD coordinator also participated online from Oslo.
The delegation had opportunities to tour laboratories and facilities dedicated to problem-based learning, applied research, and innovation. They engaged in both formal and informal discussions with various teams at the University of Stavanger to identify potential areas for future collaboration, particularly in capacity building and staff and student exchange.
The team also visited the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Oslo, where they held discussions with faculty members, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, and representatives of the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO). Both institutions presented their profiles and identified common areas of interest for future cooperation.
NMBU, as a leading applied sciences university, provides valuable insights and experiences from which Wollega University can draw in its efforts to further establish itself as a strong university of applied sciences.
Finally, both parties agreed to maintain regular communication in order to refine specific focus areas for partnership and jointly explore funding opportunities.