Adama University is committed to the principles of good governance so as to ensure that the university gets ahead and will stay 'fit for its purpose' as an institution of teaching and research, which also provides consultancy and other quality services to the community. These principles emphasize academic freedom and autonomy, performance in terms of added value to student education and academic advancement, public accountability and social responsibility, transparency, ethics and professionalism. These principles are to be upheld through the following provisos:
Adama University shall be a learning organization of higher education which is committed to the mission of achieving academic excellence in a professional context. The emphasis is to provide holistic education and training so as to equip students with all-round personal development as well as professional knowledge and skills through application-oriented programs, and to undertake research, emphasizing those of an applied nature which are relevant to industrial, commercial and community needs. Towards this end, Adama University recognizes the importance of establishing and implementing an effective framework of governance and management in directing and monitoring its operation and financial performance. Principles of management by objectives, confidence and accountability on top of lean structures are applied.