Head of Department of Civil Engineering

Mrs. Selamawit Kiftaga Namaga

Contact Information:
Phone: +251941264989

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Background of Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is the backbone of modern infrastructure—encompassing everything from clean water supply and housing to roads, railways, ports, airports, schools, and hospitals. These essential structures support our daily lives and contribute to the well-being and progress of society. Often taken for granted when functioning well, the importance of infrastructure becomes most evident when it fails. Around the world, civil engineers are entrusted with the challenge of designing, constructing, and maintaining the physical environment that sustains and improves quality of life for present and future generations.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), based in London, defines civil engineering as “a great art, on which the wealth and well-being of the whole of society depends.” What distinguishes civil engineering from science or pure art is the creative application of engineering principles to develop systems, structures, and technologies that ensure a sustainable interaction between the built and natural environments. It combines imagination with technical expertise, drawing on scientific knowledge, material behavior, analytical techniques, and synthesis. Successful civil engineering also demands research skills, teamwork, leadership, and a strong sense of business and ethics.

Civil engineering encompasses the conception, design, construction, and maintenance of major public and private infrastructure. Civil engineers are responsible for building and sustaining critical facilities such as bridges, highways, tunnels, railways, dams, airports, water treatment plants, drainage and irrigation systems, and large buildings. Furthermore, civil engineers play an essential role in addressing environmental challenges, including pollution control, water resource management, and sustainable land use.

In the context of a developing country like Ethiopia, civil engineering plays a transformative role in national development. Robust infrastructure is vital to economic growth, investment attraction, improved public services, and better living standards. The development of transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, and energy infrastructure directly contributes to poverty reduction and regional integration. As such, civil engineering is not only a technical discipline but also a driver of socio-economic progress.

To meet these national priorities, Ethiopia requires a well-trained workforce of civil engineers equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable infrastructure solutions. Civil engineering education must, therefore, be focused, forward-thinking, and aligned with the country's development goals enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to the nation's journey toward modernization and prosperity.

Objectives/Goals

The Head of the Department of Civil Engineering shall work to achieve the following strategic objectives:

1. Deliver Quality Civil Engineering Education: Provide relevant and practical education that equips students with the technical and ethical competencies required for the civil engineering profession.
2. Promote Applied Research and Innovation: Encourage research activities focused on infrastructure development, construction technology, water resources, geotechnical engineering, and sustainability.
3. Develop Industry-Relevant Skills: Ensure students are exposed to real-world engineering challenges through labs, fieldwork, and industrial attachments to foster employability and innovation.
4. Strengthen Academic and Professional Staff Development: Build and support a competent academic team through continuous capacity building, postgraduate education, and knowledge exchange.
5. Foster University-Industry-Community Linkages: Establish strong partnerships with construction companies, government bodies, and communities for mutual learning, internships, and collaborative projects.
6. Ensure Academic Quality and Compliance: Maintain academic standards and quality assurance in line with the Ethiopian Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency (HERQA) and Wolkite University policies.
7. Support the University’s Strategic Mission: Align departmental goals with the broader vision and strategic plan of Wolkite University in education, research, and societal impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Academic Leadership

Ø  Oversee the development, implementation, and regular review of the undergraduate and postgraduate civil engineering curriculum.

Ø  Ensure the inclusion of key areas such as structural engineering, transportation, geotechnical, hydraulics, and environmental engineering.

Ø  Promote hands-on learning through lab sessions, computer-aided design, and field training.

B. Administrative and Operational Management

Ø  Prepare and manage the department’s annual plan, budget, and academic calendar.

Ø  Allocate teaching responsibilities, coordinate class schedules, and manage examination processes.

Ø  Ensure proper record-keeping and documentation of departmental activities.

C. Staff Supervision and Capacity Building

Ø  Assign academic and administrative tasks based on staff qualifications and departmental needs.

Ø  Facilitate staff training, postgraduate study, and participation in workshops and seminars.

Ø  Conduct performance evaluations and provide mentoring or recommendations for promotions.

D. Research and Professional Development

Ø  Promote research in infrastructure development, construction materials, and sustainable engineering practices.

Ø  Support staff and student research initiatives, publication, and participation in academic forums.

Ø  Seek and facilitate research funding and collaborations with external institutions.

E. Student Support and Mentorship

Ø  Monitor student performance, provide academic advising, and ensure adequate supervision of projects and internships.

Ø  Organize workshops, site visits, and guest lectures to enhance learning.

Ø  Address student grievances and promote a supportive academic environment.

F. Community and Industry Engagement

Ø  Collaborate with construction firms, engineering consultancies, and public institutions for student internships, joint research, and outreach.

Ø  Promote community-based engineering solutions, such as water supply systems, road improvement, or building design.

Ø  Organize seminars and public lectures to share engineering knowledge with the community.

G. Quality Assurance and Accreditation

Ø  Implement internal quality assurance mechanisms and prepare for HERQA and institutional audits.

Ø  Ensure continuous improvement based on feedback from students, alumni, and stakeholders.

Ø  Maintain academic integrity and oversee compliance with university and national regulations.

H. Institutional Participation and Leadership

Ø  Represent the department in university-level committees, councils, and planning sessions.

Ø  Contribute to university-wide initiatives in engineering education, research, and strategic development.

Ø  Promote a culture of transparency, teamwork, and accountability within the department.