VR/AR in Ethiopian UAS: Revolutionizing Classroom Teaching for Applied Sciences
Imagine an engineering student at Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) stepping into a virtual wind turbine, adjusting blade angles in real time to optimize energy output. This isn’t a distant dream—it’s happening now in Ethiopian Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), where Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are turning traditional lectures into immersive, hands-on experiences.
In 2023, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) launched a pilot VR project, as reported by The Ethiopian Herald. The initiative equipped its mechanical engineering department with VR headsets to simulate machinery diagnostics, allowing students to troubleshoot engines without stepping into a physical lab. “It’s like bringing the workshop into the classroom,” said Dr. Yared Tsegaye, a lecturer involved in the project. Similarly, at the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction, and City Development (EiABC), students use VR to design virtual city layouts, testing urban planning concepts in 3D environments—a leap beyond textbook sketches.
Ethiopia’s broader tech landscape supports this shift. The government’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy has spurred investments in digital infrastructure, including a $50 million World Bank grant in 2024 to boost tech education, as noted by Addis Fortune. Yet, challenges persist: VR hardware remains costly, and many UAS lack the trained staff to maximize its potential. Despite these hurdles, the adoption of VR/AR is reshaping applied sciences education, making it more interactive and relevant to Ethiopia’s industrial needs.
MaDE-for-UASs: Driving the Change
The MaDE-for-UASs project is accelerating this transformation by training 3,000 UAS lecturers across Ethiopia to integrate VR/AR into their teaching. Funded through international partnerships, the project aims to establish MaDE Centers—technology hubs at UAS campuses—equipped with VR/AR tools and resources. By upskilling educators, it ensures that students gain practical, industry-ready skills, aligning with Ethiopia’s ambition to become a regional tech leader.
Made4UAS
The integration of VR and AR into Ethiopian UAS classrooms is redefining education, turning theoretical concepts into tangible realities. This shift is empowering students to excel in applied sciences and positioning Ethiopia as a hub of innovation.