| The existence of a strong and independent media is crucial to the development of any democracy. Ethiopia , however, suffers from a shortage of skilled professional journalists. As a result, the media in Ethiopia are not robust. Both the state and private media have to be supported with trained professional staff in order for the mass media in Ethiopia to attain the desired international standard.
Keeping this in mind, Unity University College the first private institute of higher learning in the country, is also the first private institute to provide training in journalism after the state owned Ethiopian Mass Media Training Institute.
The UUC School of Journalism and Communication has been offering an undergraduate diploma program for just over four years. During these years about 70 students have graduated from the regular and as well the extension program. Since diploma programs are fazing out from all higher learning institutions all over the country 1997 Academic Year will be our last year to offer the undergraduate diploma program.
On the other hand, in order to fill the skills gap in the media, the school is undergoing a preparatory process to offer an undergraduate degree program in journalism. | 
