IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu honoured with new Forensic Science scholarship in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Federal Police (EFP) has established a scholarship programme in forensic science at the Ethiopian Police University aimed at supporting students from the IGAD region pursuing careers in law enforcement. The Dr Workneh Gebeyehu Scholarship Programme in Forensic Science will be offered through the Crime Investigation Academy at the Ethiopian Police University's Sandafa campus, the EFP confirmed in a statement on Thursday. The programme was established in honour of Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with authorities recognising his service to Ethiopia's public sector, contributions to local police and efforts towards regional integration within the IGAD bloc. “Cognisant of Dr Workneh’s relentless commitment to regional integration and his service to the IGAD region, the Ethiopian Federal Police hereby establishes the Dr Workneh Gebeyehu Scholarship Programme in Forensic Science at Crime Investigation Academy of the Ethiopian Police University (EPU) at Sandafa campus, Ethiopia,” the statement reads. The programme was established in honour of Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with authorities recognising his service to Ethiopia's public sector. (Photo: Handout) “This scholarship seeks to cultivate future leaders who exemplify the values of public service, perseverance, and innovation that have characterised Dr Workneh's distinguished career.” The scholarship will provide opportunities for promising individuals to advance their academic and professional training in forensic science and law enforcement, to develop skilled professionals equipped to support investigations, promote innovation and strengthen public service. It will be available to selected candidates from IGAD member states seeking to build careers in the law enforcement sector. Dr Workneh has been serving as the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) since 2019, following a long career in government, diplomacy and public administration. Before taking up the IGAD role, he served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2016 and 2019, where he was involved in advancing the country’s diplomatic engagements and international partnerships. From 2012 to 2016, he similarly served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport, overseeing efforts related to Ethiopia’s transport sector development and policy direction. Workneh’s public service career began in Ethiopia’s Oromia Regional State, where he held leadership roles in regional administration and the security sector.