Reform in Education Will Immensely Support Ethiopia’s Transformation: AAU INT Prez 

Addis Ababa February 24/2024(ENA)The reform underway on education in general and higher education in particular will immensely support Ethiopia’s transformation, Addis Ababa University Interim President Samuel Kifle said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the interim president noted that Ethiopia has been expanding higher education for decades. 

But having more institutions is not enough, he said, adding that the country has to make sure that the institutions are well oriented; and this requires to undertake a reform especially in higher education.”     

Samuel recalled that Addis Ababa University has been designated as the first autonomous university for the country.

This will enable the university to focus on its mission and excel in delivering education by undertaking cutting edge researches as well as transforming societies through community engagement services.  

According to the interim president, institutional transformation is not a onetime intervention and Addis Ababa University will be working on its own by setting standards and become exemplary to the other universities in Ethiopia.  

Ethiopia, the second most populace nation on the African continent with predominantly youth population is investing in education to make sure that the future depends on knowledge and transformation of the economy, Samuel elaborated.

“Reforming education in general and higher education in particular will immensely support Ethiopia’s transformation and make it the beacon of prosperity for Africa.”

For the president, the Ethiopian government has been generously supportive to higher education and has remained committed to the success of Addis Ababa University. 

Addressing the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) held last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted that education is key for sustainable development and faster growth. 

“In the last five years, Ethiopia has made significant progress towards universal access to education. We have built over 30,000 kindergarten and primary schools. We are heavily investing in secondary schools and TVETs to ensure quality and skill development as well as meet labor market needs,” he pointed out.

Today new technology and innovative learning models can help the continent to leapfrog into the future, the premier said, adding that technology has taken learning beyond the classroom.

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of  AU was held under the theme: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century --- Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.”

During the opening of the summit, African Union Chairperson Mohamed Ould Ghazouani stressed the need for Africa to create a revolution in its educational systems to achieve the plans and strategies of the continent.