Dr Anto Arkato, Director for School of Postgraduate Studies, who died in a tragic road accident near Wolkite, Guraghe zone was laid to rest at Debana, Konso, on 8th November, 2016, in the presence of his close family members, relatives and all and sundry. Click here to see more Pictures
It was a sort of ceremonial burial with entire town flocking to the cemetery to pay tributes to the departed soul along with huge cavalcade of mourners including AMU officials, colleagues, friends and well-wishers. Deceased’s mother, Kamite Kayrio, who miraculously survived in the mishap, also participated in the funeral.
He was 44. He is survived by his wife Hiwot Getahun, two sons, three daughters, many siblings and hordes of relatives.
According to the sources, while Dr Anto Arkato was returning from Jimma, his vehicle lost control and suddenly fell into deep valley along the road near Wolkite causing him fatal injuries on 6th November, 2016; he said to have succumbed to injuries on the spot.
His mortal remains were first taken to Wolkite Hospital and then to Menilik Hospital where autopsy was done. The body was brought to Arba Minch on the night of 7th November where AMU community gave emotional farewell to the departed soul at Main Campus.
Later, the cortege moved to his Chamo Campus residence, where close family members, relatives, entire AMU community, friends and well-wishers paid the last respect and on 8th November, 2016, morning, the body was taken to his home town Debana, Konso.
A day after Dr Anto’s demise, a pall of gloom engulfed entire AMU community. AMU top officials and others have expressed deep sympathies to the bereaved family members at this sorrowful time.
Dr Anto, native of Debana kebele in Konso, was one among 14 siblings. His father, Arkato Gendole, mother, Kamite Kayrio, all siblings, hordes of relatives and well-wishers being deeply shocked are in the state of profound sorrow. AMU driver Dagne, hospitalized after being injured is stated to be recovering.
Dr Anto Arkato was endowed with amazing leadership qualities that got manifested in his academic achievements. He had earned Bachelor of Education in English Language Teaching degree from Kotebe College of Teacher Education in 1997.
He had two Masters, MA in Special Education from Addis Ababa University (2002-4) and MSc in Curriculum & Instruction with PhD in Teacher Professional Development from University of Twente, Netherlands in 2005-6 and 2009-2013 respectively.
Before joining AMU, he headed Culture, Tourism and Information Office of Konso Special District from January 1999 to January 2000.
He joined AMU as Graduate Assistant-I on 21st February, 2000, and continued till 2004. In 2004, he was made lecturer; from September 2004 to August 2005, he also headed Department of Social Studies. And from September 2006 to August 2009, he was the Coordinator of Academic Development and Resource Centre (ADRC). After PhD in 2013, he was appointed as Assistant Professor.
Subsequently, in April 15, 2014, he was elevated to the position of Director for School of Postgraduate Studies and since then he was contributing for the development of the School.
After PhD, he taught, ‘Syllabus Design and Materials Development in Language Teaching’ and ‘Program Design & Evaluation’ to English and Psychology PG students. He also taught different English courses to UG students and imparted several professional development trainings to AMU instructors, expatriate staff and school directors of the surrounding schools.
A month before his demise, being the chairman of Graduate Guideline Designing Team, he was instrumental in developing PhD and PG courses’ guidelines that were duly approved by the Senate. And from 2nd to 3rd November, 2016, he had also given orientation to new 50 expatriate staff and after three days (6th Nov, 2016), his life was tragically cut short in the mishap.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)