(Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 25 September 2025)- The School of Veterinary Medicine at Bahir Dar University recently held its annual review meeting, a gathering that pulsed with energy, achievement, and a bold vision for the future. It was a testament to the remarkable progress of an emerging school poised to become a leading center of excellence in veterinary education.

The session was marked by insightful presentations that laid out a clear and ambitious roadmap from past successes to an ambitious future, beginning with Dr. Yeshwas Ferede’s celebration of our school’s numerous achievements and solidifying its foundation for future growth. Dr. Shewatatek Melaku then built upon this by unveiling the concrete and exciting steps of the 2025/26 Annual Plan, immediately followed by Dr. Solomon Tibebu’s presentation of our visionary Five-Year Strategic Plan, a document designed to propel the school toward national and regional leadership. This forward-looking agenda was then enriched by a vibrant and fruitful discussion with our dedicated staff, whose passion and insights remain the true engine of our school’s progress.

As a young and dynamic school, we are proud of the strong foundation we have built. Our progress is a direct result of the unwavering commitment of our leadership team and our brilliant faculty. We extend our deepest gratitude to them for their dedication to education, research, and service.

The heart of the meeting was the open discussion, where our faculty shared powerful ideas that will shape our future. We are excited to announce a comprehensive agenda built on several key commitments designed to create lasting impact.

Our mission extends firmly into the community, with plans to expand vital services including breeding, Artificial Insemination (AI), Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD), and Estrus Synchronization to empower local farmers directly. Concurrently, we are formulating a long-term strategic initiative focused on heifer production to enhance livestock quality for future generations sustainably.

Academically, we are elevating our profile by launching an annual veterinary conference and establishing our own peer-reviewed journal, creating dynamic platforms for global knowledge exchange. This is backed by a reinforced dedication to a robust research and publication plan. To support lifelong learning, we will introduce a Mid-Career Bachelor of Veterinary Science program for practicing professionals.

We are also investing in our foundations through significant library infrastructure improvements and building powerful networks by developing a comprehensive alumni record and a dedicated plan for stakeholder engagement with industry, government, and international partners. To enrich our staff, a plan to engage expatriate staff will foster a multicultural environment and international collaboration.

Finally, to facilitate the highest standards of care, we will conduct a thorough clinical service impact assessment. Together, these pillars represent our unwavering commitment to advancing veterinary science for both global knowledge and local solutions.

Join Us on This Journey
The School of Veterinary Medicine at Bahir Dar University is not just growing; we are evolving with purpose. We are committed to cultivating the next generation of veterinary leaders, driving research that matters, and serving as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.

Stay connected with us! 
Follow our journey, engage with our programs, and partner with us as we turn this ambitious vision into reality.
 

By: Dr. Dagmawi Yitbarek, SVM Website Administrator