The College of Law and Governance at Hawassa University is hosting a five-day Project Kick-off Conference for its international project entitled “Migraturity” commenced on March 23, 2026, at the African Union Hall, Main Campus.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Tafesse Matewos, Vice President for Research and Collaboration at Hawassa University, emphasized that addressing migration and security is both timely and essential, as these issues are closely linked to many of the local and global challenges we face today. Discussing the project's potential impact, Dr. Tafesse noted that the initiative will produce scientifically proven tools to help stakeholders effectively manage migration and its related security concerns beyond fostering institutional and professional networks among partners.
Dr. Debrework Debebe, Dean of the College of Law and Governance and Project Coordinator for Hawassa University, explained that this capacity-building project aims to strengthen the ability of higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa to manage the growing threats of irregular youth migration and related security issues.
The conference has brought together dedicated researchers from eight universities across five countries: Italy, Serbia, Türkiye, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
In the opening sessions of the conference, representatives from each partner university gave brief presentations on their respective institutional profiles and capacities. These presentations showcased how each institution is strategically positioned and ready to successfully implement the project, highlighting their unique strengths and readiness as collaborative partners.
In addition, the visiting scholars have explored research centers and special service areas related to social affairs at Hawassa University main campus such as female students’ “Zero Plan”, Children’s Day Care center, the Multimedia studio for e-learning, Center of Malaria Research, Center for Entrepreneurship and career development, and center of Aquaculture and Fishery research.
