Background
Mattu University (MaU) is one of public universities in Ethiopia, established in 2011 GC in a lush environment rich with untapped natural resources. This establishment was based on the Regulation of the House of Ministers No. 239/2011, aimed at meeting the country's rapidly growing demand for highly skilled professionals. Located in the Southwestern part of Ethiopia, within the Oromia Regional State, MaU is situated in Mettu town, approximately 600 kilometers from the capital, Addis Ababa. As a boarding university, its main campus spans 165 hectares, while its Bedele campus covers 80 hectares. Both campuses are equipped with optimal facilities and infrastructure to support the university's diverse academic, research, and community service activities. Since its inception, the university has made significant strides in education, research, and community service, notably increasing the number of qualified professionals through undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
1. Teaching-learning (Academic)
To give a vivid historical account of its initial admission capacity, Mattu University (MaU) began its journey by enrolling 302 undergraduate regular students in 2011. In a remarkably rapid manner, its admission capacity has now expanded to over 13,000 students in all modalities. Regarding its program profile, the university currently offers 59 undergraduate, 39 graduate and 2 PhD programs through various modalities across the two campuses, supported by more than 650 academic staff. These academic programs are structured under eight colleges and four schools, specifically: College of Engineering and Technology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, College of Social Science and Humanities, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Agriculture, College of Natural Resource and Agricultural Economics, and the School of Law, School of Social Studies, School of Commerce, and School of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management.
2. Research
When it comes to research, Mattu University focuses on thematic areas such as agriculture, environmental protection, natural resources management, natural sciences, education, urban and rural development, social sciences, legal issues, and engineering technology.
Recognizing the favorable conditions for agriculture in both Buno Bedele and Ilu Aba Bor zones, Mattu University conducts agricultural research at its stations located in Bure, Becho, Gechi, Shame, Nopha and utilizes available land in both its campuses. This research focusses on various crops such as coffee, avocado, banana, teff, wheat, sweet potatoes, honey etc. The primary objective is to identify crop varieties that are well-suited to the local climate and offer higher yields. This research supports local farmers and contributes to the development of the regional agricultural sector. Additionally, the university is working on reproducing improved breeds of sheep and dairy cows for distribution to the community, further enhancing agricultural productivity and community development.
Recognizing his significant contributions to Oromo literature and modern education as a freedom fighter, Onesimos Nasib's legacy has been studied, and a book is published detailing his life and impact.
In collaboration with Farm Africa and the Oromia Tourism Commission, Mattu University has identified potential tourism destinations within the two zones while assessing their feasibility for development. Furthermore, the university’s academics have actively participated in research initiatives aimed at establishing a national park in the Ilu Aba Bor Zone—further contributing to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in the region.
Since 2021, Mattu University has published its own journal—the IJAS-Journal of Science and Technology—to make its research findings accessible globally. Currently focused on engineering and natural sciences fields; plans are underway to expand its scope to include additional disciplines.
3. Community Engagement
Mattu University, guided by its motto "We are dedicated to serving our community!", actively engages in diverse community service initiatives. These efforts focus on healthcare, agriculture, social, economic, and legal issues. The university has provided compensation to displaced community members during construction and offered training programs alongside infrastructure improvements such as electricity, water, and road construction. It has also established a Public Library and opened a community-focused FM radio station to enhance information access. Additionally, Mattu University has implemented agricultural initiatives including animal breeding programs, livestock distribution, modern beehives, and improved avocado seedlings. It offers free legal services and educational programs to sector office employees. The university supports healthcare through donations of beds and wheelchairs to hospitals, provides health insurance support to vulnerable families, and conducts community health initiatives focusing on clean water and waste management. Through these and other activities, Mattu University strives to achieve its vision by 2030, leveraging regional resources and values to serve communities effectively.
Excellence and Priority Areas of the University
Ø Honey production and processing
Ø Coffee production and processing
Ø Tea leaf production and processing
Ø Spices production and processing
Ø Rubber tree plantation
Ø Biodiversity conservation and ecotourism management
Ø Medicinal plant identification and calibrating them for use
Ø Bio fertilizer production and processing like other public universities in the country etc.
Call for Collaboration
Mattu University, situated in the heart of Ethiopia's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, invites potential partners to collaborate in education, research, and community development. By leveraging its unique environment, including proximity to the UNESCO-registered Yayu Biosphere Reserve, Mattu University offers opportunities for joint research projects, academic exchanges, and community engagement initiatives. Potential areas for collaboration include biodiversity and bio-medicinal research, technology transfer and innovation in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, joint academic and research programs in engineering and health sciences, student and faculty exchange programs, and co-hosting conferences and workshops.
Through these collaborations, Mattu University aims to enhance educational outcomes, contribute positively to society, and create lasting change. By working together, partners can explore international funding opportunities for joint research projects, strengthen academic institutions, and foster the broader relationship between nations. Mattu University is committed to advancing education, research, and community service, and it looks forward to discussing this proposal further to build meaningful and lasting collaborations that benefit both institutions and countries.