On 27 August 2026, an online meeting was held with our partner university in Ethiopia, Bahir Dar University, to discuss potential areas of bilateral cooperation and strengthen the partnership between the two institutions.

During the meeting, both institutions introduced their universities and provided information about their academic structures, educational activities, and areas of expertise. Representatives from the relevant academic departments also introduced their programmes and shared information about their academic structures and operations.

The meeting focused particularly on potential collaboration opportunities in the field of dual degree programmes. Both institutions agreed to establish working groups to further explore and develop dual degree opportunities, and the necessary arrangements and next steps were discussed.

The meeting was attended by the following representatives from Bahir Dar University:

Dr. Manendante Mulugeta, Director of International Relations and Partnerships

Prof. Awoke Tegegne, Professor of Biostatistics

Prof. Berhanu Assaye, Professor of Algebra

Assoc. Prof. Denekew Bitew, Associate Professor of Biostatistics and Bayesian Analysis

Asst. Prof. Dereje Tesfaye, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics

Assoc. Prof. Haile Mekonnen

Asst. Prof. Melkamu Ayana

Sisay Ayalew, Deputy Director of International Relations and Partnerships

Assoc. Prof. Worku Temesgen, Associate Professor

Istanbul Gedik University was represented by:

Prof. Dr. Cem Sefa Sütçü, Director of the Graduate School

Yücel Kamar, Lecturer, Director of International Relations, and Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator

Dr. Erdoğan Bozkurt, Department of Management Information Systems

Res. Asst. Onur Dursun, Department of Management Information Systems

Dr. Halime Suvay Eker, Department of Management Information Systems

İlayda Önder and Ezgi Yıldız, International Relations and Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinatorship

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between Istanbul Gedik University and Bahir Dar University. We look forward to developing productive academic collaborations, particularly in the field of dual degree programmes, and carrying out future joint initiatives between the two institutions.