Unity University
 | This article contains promotional content. (June 2012) |
ዩኒቲ ዩኒቨርስቲ | |
| File:Unity University Official Logo.jpg Seal of Unity University | |
Former names | Unity Language School
Unity Law, Language, and Vocational Institute Unity College Unity University College |
|---|---|
| Motto | Quality House |
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1991 |
| Chairman | Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi |
| President | Dr. Arega Yirdaw |
| Founder | Fisseha Eshetu[1] |
| Location | , 9°0′12.29″N 38°48′11.51″E / 9.0034139°N 38.8031972°E |
| Campus | |
| Language | English |
| Nickname | Unity |
| Website | www |
 | |
Unity University (Amharic: ዩኒቲ ዩኒቨርሲቲ) is a private university located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Established in 1991, it initially began as a language school but has since undergone significant development and expansion. In 2008, Unity University achieved full university status, marking an important milestone in the evolution of private higher education in Ethiopia.
The university's history is divided into several phases, with its early years primarily focused on certificate programs and language instruction. Over time, Unity University has expanded its academic offerings to encompass a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Additionally, it has embraced technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs, further contributing to the educational landscape of Ethiopia.
Today, Unity University is recognized as a prominent institution in Ethiopian higher education, serving as a testament to the growth and progress of the country's educational sector.
History
The history of Unity University is based on information from the official Unity University website. [2]
Early Beginnings (1991-1996)
Unity University commenced its journey in 1991, initially focusing on delivering certificate programs. At its inception, it functioned as a language school offering courses in English, Arabic, Italian, and French. The same year witnessed the introduction of preparatory classes for the Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination (E.S.L.C.E) across various subjects. This period laid the foundation for the institution's subsequent rapid expansion, with 1991 marking the inception of Unity University's first phase.
Unity Language School started with modest enrolment and a handful of part-time educators and administrative personnel. However, it experienced substantial growth over the following three years. Both student enrollment and the number of academic and administrative staff increased significantly. The institution's offerings expanded with the introduction of the Certificate Program in Basic Law in February 1993, which was later elevated to a Diploma level in 1994.
Expansion and Evolution (1997-2002)
In 1997, Unity University embarked on its second phase, which extended until 1998. During this period, the institution introduced Diploma Programs in Accounting, Marketing, Business, Personnel Administration, and Secretarial Science. The institution's name transitioned from "Unity Law, Language, and Vocational Institute" to "Unity College" during this period.
The year 2000 marked the launch of the BSc Degree Program in Management Information Systems (MIS) and the Diploma Program in Journalism and Communication. Unity University continued to diversify its academic offerings by making additional undergraduate degree programs available, including Law, Marketing Management, and Computer Technology. In August 2002, it officially adopted the name "Unity University College," thereby becoming the first private "University College" in Ethiopia.
Expanding Academic Horizons (2003-2007)
In 2003, Unity University introduced a BSc Degree program in Architecture and Urban Planning, alongside BSc Degree Programs in Civil Engineering, Mining, and Construction Technology Management. The same year saw the establishment of the College of Distance Education, which offered various Diploma Programs, some of which were subsequently upgraded to Degree Programs in Accounting, Management, Marketing, and Economics.
In February 2007, Unity University initiated its fourth phase by launching two Postgraduate Programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Development Economics.
Achieving Full University Status (2008-Present)
June 2008 marked a significant milestone when Unity University College became the first fully-fledged university among the emerging private higher education institutions in Ethiopia.
From November 2008 until April 2020, Unity University was a member of the MIDROC Technology Group Companies, a partnership that fueled further expansion. Notably, in 2020, Dr. Arega Yirdaw transitioned from serving as both the CEO of TGC and the President of Unity University.
In 2012, a branch campus was established outside Addis Ababa, in Dessie town, Amhara Regional State, offering undergraduate degree programs in Accounting and Finance, Business Administration, and Computer Sciences.
Academics
Academic Programs
The university offers a wide range of academic programs encompassing various fields and disciplines, available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These programs are delivered through multiple modalities, including traditional on-campus learning (regular), evening sessions (extension), and remote learning options (distance learning). Additionally, the university provides technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs.[3][4]
Undergraduate Programs
Gerji Campus
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Management
- Marketing Management
- Nursing
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Public Health
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- Construction Technology and Management
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
CMC Campus
- Accounting and Finance
- Management
- Marketing Management
- Computer Science
Keranio Campus
- Accounting and Finance
- Management
- Marketing Management
Adama Campus
- Accounting and Finance
- Management
- Marketing Management
- Computer Science
Dessie Campus
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
Postgraduate Programs
Gerji Campus
- Accounting and Finance
- Development Economics
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration in Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Masters of Public Health
Adama Campus
- Master of Business Administration
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programs
Gerji Campus
- Human Resource Management
- Purchasing and Supply Management
- Marketing and Sales Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Nursing
Research
Unity University actively promotes and facilitates research as a fundamental aspect of its academic mission. Since the year 2001, Unity University has consistently organized and hosted Annual Multi-Disciplinary Research Conferences, serving as a platform for scholars from diverse academic backgrounds, including various universities, research institutions, and other establishments, to participate and share their research findings.
The outcomes of each Annual Multidisciplinary Research Conference are documented through the publication of academic papers. These scholarly contributions find their place in the "Proceedings of the Conference," a publication produced by Unity University. Additionally, Unity University maintains its own academic journal titled the "Ethiopian Journal of Business and Development," where selected research papers from these conferences are featured and made available to a wider academic audience. [2]
Notable alumni
- Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, businesswoman, class of 2004[5]
See also
References
- ^ Haile, Lule Belay (18 August 2007). "Ethiopia: Tertiary Education - Its Quantity And Quality". The Reporter. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
- ^ a b Unity University History
- ^ "Academic Programs". Facebook. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
- ^ "TVET Programs". Facebook. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
- ^ Tekletsadik, Melat; Berhanu, Betel Bekele. "Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu". www.ethiopianwomenunleashed.org. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
