As many Ethiopians know that Amharic singers, modern or traditional, include the word ‘Mekdela’ in their songs. They do this not only to harvest money, but also to transfer our history to the next generations, to show their respect for Emperor Tewodros II, who sacrificed this life for the unity and freedom of Ethiopia, and to inherit courage to our citizens at large. Mekdela Amba was a place where our ambitious ancestors converged to defend the sovereignty and freedom of our mother land, Ethiopia. It was located in south west of Wollo where religious and cultural societies live together in real peace and harmony. In addition to this, a place was decorated with the nineteenth century Ethiopian history from which we always learn a lot. Makdela Amba University (MAU) has got its name from this historical place. The main campus of MAU which is called Tulu Awulia, is found 58 km South of the historical place whereas Mekaneselam is located at 158km at the same direction.
Makdela Amba University has two Campuses. The main Campus (Tulu Awuliya) which was found at 480 km apart from Ethiopian capital city (Addis Ababa) and 551 km from Bahir Dar, the Amhara region capital. It was also located 80 km west of Dessie, the center of south Wollo zone. The second Campus (Mekan Selam) which is far 580 km from Addis Ababa, 653 km from Bahir Dar and 180 km west of Dessie.
MAU was one of the 11 fourth generation universities that Ethiopia has planned to build in the 2nd GTP. The University was established by the Council of Ministers regulation No. 355/20015 G.c. Its foundation stone was laid on 23 Feb, 2015 G.C. to improve the access, equity and relevance of higher education programs. The construction of the university was started on a total land area of 340 hectares (200 hectares in Tulu Awulia and 140 hectares in Mekane Selam).
The university carried out three major missions. These were providing quality education, conducting problem-solving researches and delivering community-based services. With the excellent accomplishment of these missions, the university envisioned to become one of the top 3 general universities in Ethiopia and make a difference by 2025E.C. To do so, it was undertaking massive organizational activities to enhance its institutional performance capacity on areas of producing competent graduates, conducting problem solving research based on agreed up on thematic areas and offering community and consultancy services. In addition to this, the university has also identified highland agriculture, mining, culture and tourism as well as technology as of its center of excellences to be distinctive.
The University employs qualified and experienced staff in the academic, research, community service, and administration sectors to perform these functions. At both campuses male 346, females 72, total 409 teachers, male 32, female 4, total 36 technical assistants and male 343, females 172, total 515 administrative staffs as well as male 489, female 543, total 966 outsource were employed. Totally, on the time being, male 1210, female 791, total 2001 employees are working in the University.
Currently, with regular, extension and summer programs, the university enrolls and teaches male 3, 330, female 240, total 5750 undergraduate and male 50, female 4, total 54 postgraduate students under 28 departments, 5 colleges and 1school of law to carry out its major functions.