Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia (BDU) Launches State-of-the-Art Audio-Visual Studio, Pioneering Digital Education and Research

BDU, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia – (April 1, 2025)  Bahir Dar University (BDU) proudly announces the inauguration of its cutting-edge audio-visual studio, a significant leap forward in advancing e-learning, research, and community engagement. This state-of-the-art facility, located at the Geospatial Data and Technology Center (GDTC), was made possible through a dynamic partnership with the University of Twente, Netherlands, under the collaborative “Ethiopian Education Network to Support Agricultural Transformation (EENSAT)” project.
The inauguration ceremony, a testament to BDU’s commitment to innovation and excellence, was honored by the presence of BDU President Dr. Mengesha Ayene, alongside esteemed Vice Presidents, department heads, and key project stakeholders. Dr. Mengesha Ayene highlighted the transformative impact of the EENSAT initiative, emphasizing the studio’s role in empowering educators, researchers, and students with advanced technological tools for a dynamic learning environment.
“This studio represents our unwavering dedication to leveraging technology to enhance academic excellence and drive societal impact,” stated Dr. Mengesha Ayene. “It will serve as a vital hub for creating high-quality e-learning content, fostering virtual research collaborations, and strengthening our public outreach programs.”
Ato Berhanu Gedef, a pivotal contributor to the project, underscored the studio's crucial role in advancing agricultural innovation and education across Ethiopia. The facility signifies a major stride in BDU’s mission to integrate technology into teaching, collaborative research, and community-driven solutions.
Equipped with the latest audio-visual technologies, the studio will facilitate the production of engaging e-learning materials, enable seamless virtual research collaborations, and enhance public outreach initiatives. Dr. Daniel Ayalew, Director of GDTC, and Dr. Binyam Sisheber, Head of the GIS and Remote Sensing Department, outlined the center’s remarkable achievements and strategic roadmap, emphasizing the expansion of geospatial research and the strengthening of partnerships to support Ethiopia’s agricultural development through data-driven solutions.

President Dr. Mengesha Ayene participated in a live demonstration of the studio’s capabilities, expressing his enthusiasm for its potential to elevate BDU’s academic and research output. He encouraged researchers to fully utilize the facility, emphasizing its role as a platform for innovation, revenue generation, and positioning BDU as a leader in technology-enabled education.
A significant achievement highlighted during the event was the procurement of the studio and other advanced equipment at GDTC through strategic collaborations, without direct allocation from the university’s budget. This accomplishment showcases BDU’s commitment to resource efficiency and sustainable growth.
The event concluded with a comprehensive tour of GDTC’s laboratories, providing attendees with firsthand insights into the center’s contributions to geospatial technology and its alignment with national development priorities.

Bahir Dar University extends its sincere gratitude to Nuffic, the Dutch organization championing the internationalization of education, for their invaluable financial support. We also acknowledge the University of Twente for their generous contribution of 50% of the project funding and their provision of essential technical support to BDU, Addis Ababa University (AAU), and Mekelle University. Furthermore, we express our appreciation to the coordinators and staff of the Faculty of ITC at the University of Twente.
Bahir Dar University, a leading institution in Ethiopia, remains dedicated to excellence in education, research, and community service. Through initiatives like EENSAT and strategic partnerships with global institutions, BDU continues to drive innovation in agriculture, technology, and sustainable development.

Bahir Dar University is a premier institution of higher learning in Ethiopia, committed to providing quality education, conducting impactful research, and serving the community. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, BDU strives to contribute to the nation’s development and address global challenges.