(March 27/2017) The Head of the Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Education, Ato Getachew Tefera, stated that universities are expected to provide accurate and timely information to the community through public relations efforts to accompany the reform efforts. He also stated that higher education institutions are institutions where knowledge is acquired and ideas are freely shared.

He also pointed out that efforts to ensure accessibility, relevance and equity in the education sector should be accompanied by public relations efforts.

The Executive Director of Public Relations and Communication at the Ministry of Education, Ato Mesfin Bogale, added that public relations and communication officers should know their profession well and contribute to the expected professional development, and the Ministry of Education will provide the necessary support at any time.

Dr. Eng. Bogale Gebremariam, Vice President of Academic Affairs of Arba Minch University, said that the Public Relations and Communication Forum of Higher Education Institutions will help exchange information, strengthen relationships and share experiences.

He mentioned that the forum participants will share their good experiences during their stay at the university and will provide them with an opportunity to learn from other universities;

On the other hand, the Director General of the Ethiopian Media Authority, Samson Mekonnen (Dr.), stated that public relations and communication are becoming more technologically advanced over time, and that communication that understands this and keeps up with the times should be implemented.

Public and international relations executives from all universities are participating in the forum.