WU Held 2026 Midyear Graduation Ceremony in the main campus.(March 14, 2026)
Wollega University graduated 792 students for the second time in its 20th round of graduation. The students completed studies in different academic programs offered by the university. The ceremony took place in the presence of the President of Wollega University, Tesfaye Lemma, the Mayor of Nekemte, Masarat Hayilu, university management members, various invited guests, and the families of the graduates.In his speech, WU President Dr. Tesfaye Lemma stated that the government is working diligently to improve the quality of education in the country. He said that Wollega University is also striving to maintain educational quality and is doing significant work to produce capable and knowledgeable graduates with strong character and understanding. He congratulated the students, saying they had worked hard with dedication and good discipline to reach this joyful day. He also advised the graduates to serve their communities with integrity and quality service in the professions they studied. He added that education has no end, encouraging them to continue learning and to contribute to building a knowledgeable workforce for the country.The Mayor of Nekemte, Mr. Masarat Hayilu, also spoke during the ceremony. He congratulated the graduates and expressed his happiness. He said that reaching this day was not easy because the students and their families had gone through many challenges. He emphasized that education is the 
foundation of development and that knowledge is what distinguishes people in the world. He noted that the government led by the Prosperity Party places strong emphasis on education, and urged graduates to serve their communities with commitment and honesty. He also reminded them to respect the community that supported them—people who may not have had the chance to study themselves but sacrificed and helped students succeed. He thanked the community of Nekemte and Wollega University for supporting and protecting the students as if they were their own children until they reached this day.The Vice President for Academic Affairs of Wollega University, Malka Hika (PhD), also spoke at the ceremony. He explained that the students graduating that day had studied under the new education policy in various programs. These included health sciences programs such as Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Anesthesia, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), and Pharmacy, as well as Law and other academic programs at the Shambu and Gimbi campuses. Further, He reported that the graduates included: 661 Bachelor’s degree students, 125 Master’s degree students and 6 PhD students, which made a total of 792 graduates.He added that since the government is strongly focusing on improving educational quality, all stakeholders in the education sector must work hard to strengthen it. He also noted that the Ministry of Education is implementing reforms to improve the education system and teachers, and Wollega University is actively working on these efforts. He congratulated both the graduates and their families on the occasion.Some of the graduates who were interviewed said that after many years of hard work, they had finally reached this day. They stated that education requires dedication, determination, and commitment, and that nothing is impossible with determination. They also said they were happy to complete their studies in a peaceful environment.