Berhanemeskel Tena (PhD)
1. Personal Information
Full Name: Berhanemeskel Tena (PhD)
Place of Birth: Nedjo, West Wollega, Ethiopia
Nationality: Ethiopian
Current Position: President, Madda Walabu University (MWU), Bale-Robe | Assistant Professor of Education Management
2. Profile Summary
A distinguished higher education leader with over 28 years of progressive experience in teaching, administration, research, and policy advisory roles. Berhanemeskel (PhD) has served at every level of Ethiopia’s education sector—ranging from secondary school leadership to university presidency—making transformative contributions in institutional development, governance, and national educational reforms.
He is recognized nationally and internationally for his commitment to lifelong learning, policy innovation, leadership training, and capacity building, with a proven track record of establishing and guiding universities, designing strategic programs, and promoting global academic partnerships.
3. Education
PhD. in Education Management – Andhra University, India
M.Ed. in Educational Planning & Management – Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
PGD in International Relations & Diplomacy
B.Ed. in Pedagogical Science – Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Primary & Secondary Education: Nedjo Schools, West Wollega
4. Professional Experience
President – Madda Walabu University (MWU), Bale-Robe (Present)
Founding President – Kotebe University of Education (KUE), Addis Ababa (2021 – Present)
Spearheaded the establishment of KUE as a specialized teacher education university.
Developed foundation documents, strategic roadmaps, and institutional reform frameworks.
Enhanced research, community engagement, and teacher education standards in Ethiopia.
Founding President – Kotebe Metropolitan University (KMU), Addis Ababa (2017 – 2021)
Led the creation of a metropolitan-focused university, establishing governance structures and innovative academic programs.
President – Kotebe University College (KUC), Addis Ababa (2016 – 2017)
Deputy Director General – Ethiopian Management Institute, Addis Ababa (2015 – 2016)
Ministry of Education, Addis Ababa
Advisor to the Minister
Head, Higher Education Capacity Building Desk
Leadership in Teacher Training Institutions, Bale-Robe
Dean, Teacher Training College
Principal, Teacher Training Institute
Director – Ginnir Senior Secondary School, Bale
5. Public & Professional Leadership Roles
Member of Parliament – House of People’s Representatives (Arada Constituency, Addis Ababa)
Vice Chairman – Ethiopian Universities Consortium
Executive Committee Member – Ethiopian University of Applied Sciences
Board Member – Oromia Development Association (ODA)
Board Member – Higher Education Relevance & Quality Agency (HERQA)
Board Chair – Sebeta College of Special Needs Education
Board Chair – Robe Teachers Training College
Member – World Peace Advisory Council
6. Awards & Recognition
World Lifetime Achievement Award – For lifelong contributions to education and development
Multiple National & International Certificates in leadership, higher education reform, and institutional transformation
7. Core Competencies
Higher Education Leadership & Governance
Educational Planning & Policy Development
Institutional Reform & Capacity Building
International Relations & Diplomacy
Strategic Program Design & Implementation
8. Research & Community Engagement
Principal Investigator and Core Team Leader for multiple university-based research projects.
Designed and delivered leadership and management trainings for university staff and city administration.
Shared expertise through international collaborations with universities across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
9. Languages
Afan Oromo , Amharic , English