About CLG

Overview

Established in 2009, the CLG provides a wide range of academic programs that emphasize a well-rounded educational experience across multiple disciplines. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue degrees in Political Science and Strategic Studies, along with a LL.B program offered in both regular and evening programs. The Civics and Ethical Studies department adds to this breadth with a BA in Civic and Ethical Studies and a B.Ed in Civic and Ethical Education, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

The postgraduate offerings at the CLG are equally diverse, featuring an array of Master's programs that allow students to specialize in fields such as Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Economy, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy, and Federalism and Governance Studies. The law department provides various LLM degrees, covering areas like Taxation and Investment, Environmental Governance, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and International Human Rights Law. Additionally, the Civics and Ethical Studies department offers several MA programs focused on Public Service Ethics and Corruption Studies, and Democracy and Multicultural Studies. For those pursuing advanced study, the CLG offers PhD opportunities, including a Doctor of Education in Civic and Ethical Education, PhD in Law, and a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies.

Research is a fundamental aspect of the CLG’s mission, supported by specialized centers such as the Gebrehiwot Baykedagn Center for Strategic Studies, the Center for Peace and Reconciliation, Center for morality and applied ethics, and the Center for Citizenship and Public Service Ethics. The institution also promotes research initiatives through dedicated centers that focus on human rights, legal aid, and environmental and natural resource law.

In addition to its academic programs and research centers, the CLG actively contributes to scholarly discourse through several journals. The Mekelle University Journal of Political Science and Strategic Studies (MU-JPSSS), the Journal of Citizenship and Morality (JCM), the Hateta Journal of Philosophy and Applied Ethics (H-JPAE), and the Journal of law  provide platforms for sharing research findings and insights in political science, ethics, and philosophy. This holistic approach highlights the CLG’s commitment to cultivating a rich academic environment that encourages both education and research.

 

 

Our Vision

The College of Law and Governance aims to become a premier institution for legal education, preparing graduates who will drive Ethiopia’s development, democracy, and social justice. We aspire to lead in legal research while fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary discourse, equipping students to engage thoughtfully with contemporary challenges.

Our Mission

The College of Law and Governance is committed to transforming Ethiopia’s intellectual and social landscape by ensuring equitable access to high-quality education in law, political science, civics and ethical studies, and philosophy. Through effective teaching, research, and community engagement, we prepare skilled professionals who advocate for the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and social justice, addressing the diverse needs of the national market and enhancing societal well-being.

Our Objectives

  • Elevate Educational Standards: Continuously enhance curriculum and teaching methods to align with global best practices in legal education.
  • Cultivate Competence and Critical Thinking: Equip students with essential knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks while fostering analytical abilities for effective leadership.
  • Promote Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Establish the College as a national leader in legal and social research through innovative projects and partnerships across departments.
  • Engage with the Community: Strengthen outreach initiatives that apply academic insights to address social justice, human rights, and governance challenges.
  • Champion Inclusivity and Lifelong Learning: Ensure diverse access to programs and provide ongoing education to enhance legal and ethical understanding for all community members.

Our Core values

  • Excellence and Innovation: We pursue the highest standards in legal education, research, and community engagement, continuously adapting to best practices and evolving societal needs.
  • Integrity and Social Responsibility: We uphold honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior, encouraging responsible action and meaningful engagement in public service and advocacy.
  • Inclusivity and Collaboration: We foster a diverse learning environment that values equity and respect, promoting interdisciplinary partnerships for a holistic understanding of complex issues.
  • Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning: We emphasize analytical skills and reflective thinking, supporting continuous education and professional development for all community members.
  • Impact and Philosophical Inquiry: We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in Ethiopia's development and governance, encouraging rigorous exploration of philosophical questions to foster intellectual growth.

CLG Departments

The College of Law and Governance is committed to providing comprehensive education and fostering research in a variety of disciplines. Each department within the College offers specialized programs that combine academic excellence with practical application, preparing students to address the complex challenges of governance, law, and ethics in Ethiopia and beyond.

The College comprises the following departments:

  1. Department of Civics and Ethical Studies
  2. Department of Philosophy
  3. Department of Political Science and Strategic Studies
  4. School of Law

Initiatives and Partnerships

The College of Law and Governance at Mekelle University is proud of its strong collaborations with various international and local organizations. These partnerships enhance our academic programs, strengthen research initiatives, and deepen our community engagement. Our key initiatives include:

  • Customary Conflict Resolution Mechanisms for Dubartie: Funded by USAID, this project aims to strengthen local dispute resolution practices.
  • Customary Conflict Resolution Mechanisms for Abogerebs: Also funded by USAID, this initiative focuses on enhancing traditional conflict resolution strategies in the region.
  • Peaceful University Community: In collaboration with EIP, this initiative promotes a culture of peace and dialogue within the university.
  • Youth Peace Ambassadors Training on Trauma Healing: Conducted in partnership with CRS, this program equips young leaders with skills in trauma healing and conflict resolution.
  • Stability and Socioeconomic Development for Vulnerable and Marginalized Communities in Tigray: A two-and-a-half-year project funded by the European Union and coordinated by CST Ethiopia, aimed at fostering stability and improving living conditions in vulnerable communities.

Through these initiatives, we are committed to fostering the rule of law, governance, peace, social justice and ethical leadership in Ethiopia and beyond.

College of Law and Governance

Welcome to the College of Law and Governance

Mekelle University

The College of Law and Governance (CLG), established in 2009, is a premier institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering research in law, governance, ethics, and political studies. With a vision to drive Ethiopia's development, democracy, and social justice, the CLG is committed to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.


Our Academic Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Postgraduate Programs

Master’s (LLM/MA) Degrees:

Doctoral (PhD) Degrees:


Centers of Excellence

Our research and community service are supported by specialized centers:

These centers conduct cutting-edge research and community-driven initiatives, addressing critical societal issues.


Journals

CLG publishes several prestigious journals to advance academic discourse: