Mekelle University, one of the leading veterinary institutions in the IGAD region, has partnered with ISTVS in facilitating ISTVS graduates to upgrade their professional qualifications. It is found in the town of Mekelle in Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia, at a distance of 783 Kilometers from the Ethiopian capital. This partnership was aimed to address the growing demand in the Somali ecosystem for graduates trained up to degree level for various reasons such as farming systems which are changing as a result of the rapid population increase, climate change, growing threats of emerging diseases and stringent requirements in the international livestock trade. To address these changing trends, Mekelle University supports ISTVS’ graduates in upgrading their Diploma in Livestock Health Sciences (DHL) and Diploma in Livestock Product Development and Entrepreneurship (DLPDE) to a Degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) eventually producing veterinary professionals with higher competence skills. Mekelle University is also proximate to the Somali ecosystem and hence greatly facilitates this vital linkage. The first batch of ISTVS graduates enrolled into Mekelle in December 2014 for the two years (six semesters) DVM program and currently the program has 27 students.
As a premier institution of tertiary learning in the region, ISTVS continues to train students in animal health (Diploma award) as they still play an important (hands–on) role in the provision of veterinary services, especially in the remote parts of the Somali ecosystem. Veterinary students at ISTVS are aware of the upgrading program at Mekelle and view it as a significant opportunity to enhance their education.

Group photo: ISTVS Principal takes a group photo with the ISTVS alumni at Mekelle University, College of veterinary medicine during his visit.Mekelle students (ISTVS graduates) Field visit at the National Fish and Aquatic animals research Centre – Sabeta, Ethiopia