Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — On January 18, 2025, TEBITA Paramedic College held a memorable graduation ceremony at Nexus Hotel to honor its latest cohort of emergency medical professionals—a momentous occasion marking the third batch of graduates from Ethiopia’s first paramedic college. Established in 2018 through a partnership between TEBITA Ambulance, East Africa Emergency Medical Service Foundation (EAEMSF)—the non-profit wing of TEBITA Ambulance—along with various international collaborators, TEBITA Paramedic College continues to transform the landscape of emergency healthcare training in the country.
Since opening its doors in January 2018, TEBITA Paramedic College has equipped over 160 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with the critical skills needed to provide lifesaving support throughout Ethiopia. Many of these trainees come from underprivileged backgrounds, reflecting TEBITA’s commitment to making healthcare education accessible to all. In this third batch, the college admitted 60 candidates on a full scholarship—all of whom could not afford private college tuition. After 20 months of rigorous study and hands-on training, 50 students successfully completed the program, comprising 36 women and 14 men.
Honoring Lifelong Contributions to Anesthesia
A highlight of the commencement ceremony was the recognition of Assistant Professor Leulayehu Akalu, who was honored for his lifetime contributions to anesthesia practice in Ethiopia. Serving as the commencement speaker, Professor Leulayehu Akalu congratulated the graduates on their hard work and reminded them of the vital role they play in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
Speakers and Distinguished Guests
Several notable figures delivered remarks and shared their perspectives on the importance of emergency medical services in Ethiopia, including:
- Mr. Seleshi Mola – Dean, TEBITA Paramedic College
- Mr. Kibret Abebe – CEO, TEBITA Ambulance and Founder of TEBITA Paramedic College
- Dr. Hassen Hussin – Director, Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI)
- Dr. Mulugeta Endale – Deputy Head, Addis Ababa Health Bureau
- Mr. Sirak Gugssa – Deputy Director, Medical Service Directorate, Federal Ministry of Health
In his address, Mr. Kibret Abebe underscored TEBITA’s commitment to expanding Ethiopia’s emergency healthcare capacity:
“We remain dedicated to strengthening Ethiopia’s emergency healthcare system by providing our paramedics with the knowledge and skills to save lives. Our continued partnerships with local and international institutions ensure that we can train even more life-saving professionals, many of whom could not otherwise afford such an education.”
Looking to the Future
Plans are already in place to welcome another 60 students for the fourth batch, further solidifying TEBITA’s role as a driving force in Ethiopian emergency healthcare services. As TEBITA Paramedic College embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to its founding vision:
- To cultivate a robust emergency medical response system, and
- To empower the next generation of healthcare professionals, positioning Ethiopia at the forefront of life-saving medical innovation.
Graduates of the 2024 class expressed pride in their accomplishments and gratitude for the comprehensive training, which included both theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical practice. The direct link between TEBITA Paramedic College and TEBITA Ambulance ensures that students benefit from real-world experiences—from on-the-ground emergency response to operating state-of-the-art medical equipment.
As these newly graduated EMTs set out to serve communities across the nation, their achievements symbolize hope, progress, and a steadfast commitment to a healthier Ethiopia. TEBITA Paramedic College’s dedication to accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence stands as an enduring legacy and a beacon for future generations of healthcare professionals.
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