Today, more than ever before in human history, the wealth of nations depends on the quality of its population. Global wealth is concentrated less and less in factories, land, tools and machinery and more on the knowledge, skills and resourcefulness of skilled human resources. High-quality human capital is developed in high-quality education systems, with tertiary education providing the advanced skills commanding a premium in today’s workplace. Aware of these trends, the Ethiopian Government gives great emphasis to the expansion of higher institution in the country. The government acknowledges that the expansion of higher institution is not only the responsibility of the government, but also the responsibility of the private sector. It is to share this responsibility that the Rift Valley University was founded in 2000.

Research, scholarship, and creative work are at the heart of the Rift Valley University. Rift Valley University has a highly innovative faculty, and they are creating new knowledge, new capacities, and new ways to teach that will serve our students and our country. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students explore their possibilities and achieve their potential. Serving as educators, facilitators, motivators and mentors, Rift Valley University faculty and staff nurture and challenge the spirit of our students and guide them on their journey to become world changers, discoverers and explorers.

 

The engagement of our students, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, in research, scholarship, and creative work is of critical importance to their education. I am convinced that the best approach to preparing students for their careers is to inspire them to discover, create, and innovate. Therefore we encourage our students to become an integral part of the community of discovery that is the modern research university.

 

From my first day on the Rift Valley University, I knew that coming here was the right decision. Our students come from every corner of the country to invest in an education that inspires challenges and prepares them to be nationally and globally competitive. I am pride in being part of this exciting learning community. All of our undergraduate and graduate programs are nationally recognized and accredited, and our diverse faculty is committed to academic excellence and relevant teaching. Thus why I am proud and honored to serve as , Rift Valley University President. Building on the traditions begun by, Rift Valley University founders, I will do by best level to guide the University to new prominence in Ethiopian higher education. The work and profound dedication of the Rift Valley University founders is an inspiration to me as I begin my own tenure as President. I am committed to preserving the University's traditions of academic excellence. Likewise, I pledge to encourage our students and alumni to positively influence change in the world through making ethical decisions and living lives of integrity. I now have the privilege and responsibility of continuing the leadership of Rift Valley University toward that purpose.

 

DEREBSSA DUFERA (PROFESSOR)