By Shabait,
THE first bi-annual Science and Engineering Journal of the Eritrean Institute of Technology (EIT) was inaugurated today with a view to motivating students pursuing Masters Degree and raising their capacity.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Eritrean Chamber of Commerce Hall, Prof. Tesfamichael Haile, acting President of the Institute, said that it is aimed at raising the capacity of intellectuals, and thereby enable them to enhance role in national development programs.
The contents of the Journal is selected from 21 research papers involving Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Geology, among others.
It was pointed out on the occasion that the Journal would make due contribution in introducing the work of the Institute, and it would give impetus to research activities, in addition to the teaching-learning task of the Institute. Moreover, there is a plan to distribute the Journal in different parts of the world.
The event witnessed the presentation of research papers by Eritrean intellectuals focusing on the role of higher education institutions in research activities, in addition to the positive impact of Science and Technology vis-à-vis national development, among others.
In closing remarks, the Minister of Education, Mr. Semere Russom, expressed appreciation for the initiative, and noted the vitality of exchanging information as regards conducting effective work. He further expressed conviction that academic researches works would continue.
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Eritrean Institute of Technology : Facts and Figures
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Establishment
The Government of Eritrea has embarked on major reforms on the educational system. The reforms are consistent with the general government policy of 2002 on quality, access, equity,
and relevance of education in the country. More specifically, the reforms are expected to achieve the following:
1 – Minimize wastage of manpower and resources in the education system in as much as it is humanly possible.
2 – Open opportunities to Eritreans of all ages to develop to their full potential, both professionally and personally.
3 – Introduce in as much as it is feasible, employment oriented education such that at the end of any level of education, any person can find gainful employment opportunities commensurate with the person’s level of education or training.
4 – Ensure that the standards and quality of education and training in the education system must be high enough such that products of the system would be competitive both locally and globally in this era of globalization.
The details of the reforms are given in the government’s concept paper of 2002. In line with this, seven new colleges, offering university level programs were established beginning in 2003. The first of these was the Eritrea Institute of Technology (EIT) located at Mai Nefhi. The EIT started to admit the first intake of students in January 2004.
Mission
The EIT aims to train men and women in the Education, Engineering and Technology, and the Science professions to enable them to work as professionals in their respective fields and global requirements.
Objectives
The Institute aims to produce responsible, competent, and highly cultural graduates. The main objectives of the Institute are to:
1 – Produce Scientists and Engineers that would contribute to the work-force needs of the country in the various areas of economic and other activities.
2 – Produce professional and pedagogic teachers that evolving national system needs; and
3 – Engage in scientific and practically oriented research endeavors to contribute to the development needs of the country and for the advancement of knowledge.
Admission
Admission to the Institute is based on the results of Eritrean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (ESECE). There is only one intake of undergraduate students a year. Candidates who have equivalent academic records in other examinations or relevant diplomas by other tertiary institutions may also be eligible for admission.
Academic Programs
The Freshman Program Office has been established to facilitate the transition of all new students to the Institute. The office deals with the assistance of new students in becoming familiar with academic programs, preparation of students for the institution’s educational opportunities, and assistance to new students in understanding academic responsibilities.
The EIT has currently three colleges. The degree programs are aimed to produce high-level workforce, while the diploma programs produce middle-level professionals. The College of Education has six Bachelor’s Degree and six Diploma programs.
The College of Engineering and Technology has eight Bachelor’s Degree and ten Diploma programs. There are four Master’s Degree, seven Bachelor’s Degree and two Diploma programs in the College of Science.
Distance Education
The institute provides access to its programs in the College of Education through the EIT’s Distance Education Program. The content of each course is basically the same as that in the on-campus course, but the method of delivery allows flexibility in the time and place of study.
Research and Development
The Institute is currently realigning its activities to foster an institutional research environment. The effort is to address research problems in a collaborative, cross-national, and socially accountable mode. The Institute encourages its staff and students to undertake research and development work in their areas of expertise.
Library
The EIT maintains several library structures in seven branch locations inside the campus. Library 1 and 2 house Science and Technology collection while library 3 house the Education collection. The collection reflects the institute’s instructional and research profile and is expanding to cater for higher degree and research work. The entire collection includes general books, reference volumes, documents and monographs. Most of the material is available for loan.
Computer Laboratories and Internet Services
The Institute has ten labs with about 500 computers. All are connected to the EIT network. These centers provide students with access to internet services free of charge. Connections with personal laptops are also available in many places.
