1. Background

Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) has long embraced the diversification of training programs and delivery modalities, including regular and extension streams. Among these, the Continuing Education Program (CEP) has emerged as a demand driven initiative, designed to be relevant, accessible, and highly effective in strengthening the capacity of the workforce particularly those otherwise distant from formal education, structured training, and professional advancement.

In this regard, ASTU has consistently exerted its utmost effort to contribute to the development of human capital, serving both the region and the nation at large. Since its inception, the CEP has produced numerous graduates at both first and second degree levels. Notably, a significant proportion of these alumni are now esteemed employees of ASTU itself, a testament to the program’s impact and credibility. Through CEP, the University has played a vital role in nurturing skilled professionals, thereby advancing the broader human resource development of Ethiopia and reinforcing its regional leadership.

2. Objectives

The Continuing Education Program of ASTU is guided by the following core objectives:

• Expanding Access to In-Service Workforces

To reach professionals for whom regular education is not a feasible option due to constraints of time and space, by offering evening (extension) and weekend modalities tailored to their needs.

• Delivering Demand-Driven and Relevant Programs

To provide programs that are responsive, appropriate, and directly aligned with workforce requirements, thereby strengthening professional capacity and bridging gaps in education, training, and career development.

• Advancing Human Capital Development

To contribute meaningfully to the broader effort of human resource development, serving both the regional community and the nation at large.

• Enhancing Institutional Sustainability and Staff Motivation

 To generate revenue that supports scholarships for staff and non-staff alike, while fostering motivation and retention among ASTU’s academic and administrative personnel.

• Mandate of the Continuing Education Program (CEP)

The Continuing Education Program (CEP) of Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) is entrusted with the following mandates:

• Oversight of Governance and Compliance

To ensure the proper implementation of CEP rules and regulations in alignment with the mandate conferred by the Senate of ASTU.

• Standardization of Academic Materials

To establish and enforce standards in the preparation of teaching materials, following all necessary academic and procedural steps.

• Quality Assurance in Program Delivery

To monitor the modes of delivery and uphold the quality of courses offered under the extension modality.

• Curriculum Development Based on Market Demand

To conduct market demand surveys and collaborate with Schools in designing curricula that are responsive and appropriate to workforce needs.

• Financial Regulation and Sustainability

To determine fair and transparent rates of payment for various activities within CEP programs, ensuring sustainability and equity.

3. Values

The Continuing Education Program (CEP) of ASTU is guided by core values that reflect its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and integrity. These principles shape its vision, operations, and contributions, serving as the foundation for academic distinction and social responsibility.

• Nurturing Diversity

Upholding a culture of equity and fairness in all practices, with unwavering respect for individuals regardless of gender, class, race, ethnicity, religion, or region.

• Academic Freedom and Integrity

Fostering a free and democratic academic environment where inquiry and investigation thrive, while ensuring system integrity at every level of decision-making.

• Belongingness and Ownership

Demonstrating commitment and dedication to assigned duties, performed with the utmost knowledge, skill, and responsibility.

• Connection and Collegiality

Cultivating friendship, relatedness, and collaboration among individuals, with a spirit of service that exceeds the normal call of duty.

• Originality and Innovativeness

Promoting a culture of creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation in ideas, processes, and services, strengthening the Institute as a dynamic arm of the University.

• Professional Ethics

Maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity and ethics, practiced consistently across all levels of service delivery.

• Responsiveness

Ensuring efficient, high-quality service delivery through accessible systems and empowered, knowledgeable frontline staff.

• Transparency and Accountability

Guiding leadership and management with democratic, transparent, participatory, and responsible practices that uphold trust and credibility.

4. Requirement for Eligibility

Without any prejudice to directives given by the Ministry of Education, eligible applicants to the CEP of HU may fall into any one of the following four categories.

• Preparatory Education Completes

To join CEP, applicants must have ESLCE result of 2.0 and above either 10 or 12 grade.

Applicants who have successfully complete ten-plus-two (10+2) preparatory school education can apply to the continuing education program.

Applicants must provide original documents and their required number of photocopies in which the office may require.

Applicants must pass both the university and grade 12 entrance examination set by the university and ministry of education.

During application, applicants must bring two pass port sized photographs.

Applicants may attach any accredited document he/she may think is useful for his/her competition.

Applicants must pay application fee which is not refundable; incase, the department/the school/ the college the students apply for may not be opened due to justifiable reasons.

• Up Grading Applicants

Applicants who have achieved an ESLCE result of 2.0 and above in either Grade 10 or Grade 12 are eligible to apply under the old curriculum only.

Applicants who have successfully passed the ESLCE at Grade 12, meeting the minimum criteria set by the Ministry of Education, are eligible to apply under the new curriculum.

Applicants with a diploma (12+2 or 10+3) and a cumulative grade point average (CGPA/CANG) of 2.00 up on graduation from an accredited Higher Learning Institution of similar program are encouraged to apply.

Technical and vocational education and training graduates with pertinent qualifications and who satisfy entrance qualification assessment set by the Ministry of Education can be admitted.

Centre of Competence (COC) is mandatory for all applicants having a diploma.

In case the respective department/the school/college is willing to give entrance examination for the applicants, the applicants must successfully pass the examination.

The applicant must provide the entire necessary document the institution may require (ESLCE, Transcripts, Diploma or its equivalent and any other the student thinks is relevant for competition).

All applicants must apply within the time period of the application days set by the office of the CEP.

All applicants must complete the application form (and produce necessary documents) very carefully. The office of the CEP is not responsible for in failure to do so.

The application process is facilitated by the centre coordinators until the screening process is accomplished and lists of accepted applicants are notified.

Application is open for every one who can full fill the required criteria.

All applicants should sign an agreement to pay tuition and related fees to the University.

• Illegal Admission

Securing or intending to secure admission using forged academic documents and examination results are illegal.

Securing admission by posing oneself as a student to the University System after withdrawal, dropping out or dismissal is illegal.

The discovery of any illegal admissions using the afore mentioned or other means would lead to immediate and automatic dismissal from the University and liable to proper legal actions.

• Registration Process

Registration process should be accomplished within the period set by the Office of the CEP or in accordance to the calendar of the University.

Students should be registered in three (3) normal registration days.

In the failure to complete registration within three (3) normal registration days, three (3) late registrations with penalty will be allowed. The penalty increases from day one to the day three of the penalty begins.

In the absence of registering within six (6) days is never incorporated by the office of the CEP as well as by the centre coordinators.

A student, who did not accomplish the registration within the six (6) days mentioned above, is only recommended to withdraw from the program.

Students may not register for the next semester, receive transcripts, participate in commencement or receive a degree until past due amounts are cleared.

Registration is accomplished at the respective centers.