Lofty Ambitions Meet Unflattering Realities in Education Reform

Sep 28 , 2024
By Geremew Milkias

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Investing in education at the national and individual levels is crucial for sustaining the human capital needed across various sectors. In advanced economies, students often pay tuition fees by taking out loans, considering their potential wages upon employment to offset this debt. Studies have shown that each additional year of education can boost an individual's earning potential, reinforcing society's belief in the economic value of higher learning.

Ethiopia's recent initiative to train five million coders signals the demand for highly skilled programmers in the nascent digital and knowledge economy. However, this ambitious goal depends on providing quality education at every level. Without substantial investment in quality education, such initiatives may struggle to produce the desired outcomes.

In many developed countries, students select universities based on their preferences and the associated tuition fees. Families save for college expenses, and students often take on loans to cover costs. These financial mechanisms are deeply ingrained in these societies, supported by established systems that facilitate student loans and savings plans. Ethiopia lacks such a robust financial system designed to offer loans for college tuition. Many parents may not have the collateral to secure such loans, making higher education less accessible for a large portion of the population.

As the federal authorities consider transitioning to autonomous universities, the financial independence of these institutions becomes a contentious issue. While autonomy could address some of universities' financial needs, it raises questions about the broader public's ability to shoulder increased tuition fees. Without a supportive welfare system and careful preparation, the shift could exacerbate educational inequities.

However, the debate over university funding models is not unique to Ethiopia. In advanced Western economies, academic expenses often fall on students and their families. This system has led to growing voices of concern about student debt and its long-term impact on economic mobility. Graduates struggle with loan repayments, prompting discussions about whether individuals should bear the full cost of education that ultimately benefits the broader economy through their contributions in various fields.

Scandinavian countries like Denmark offer a different model. Academic programs are free for every citizen who meets institutional requirements, and students receive stipends during their university studies. This approach has cultivated strong academic programs that produce scientists and engineers, propelling Denmark to a leading position in European innovation. According to the Global Innovation Index, Denmark ranks among the top European economies without the social problems associated with high levels of private student debt in countries like the United States (US).

Understandably, Ethiopia faces economic limitations in replicating such models. With average public sector salaries of less than 6,000 Br (approximately 57.7 dollars at last week's exchange rate) a month and a per capita income of less than 2,000 dollars, expecting the majority to afford tuition fees at autonomous universities is unrealistic. Parents should deserve to have time to prepare a transitional plan before enrolling their children in tertiary institutions.

Quality education should be available to prepare students for the digital and knowledge economies. The groundwork for this knowledge economy requires proactive and assertive efforts. This includes nurturing the private sector and entrepreneurial environment that can create job opportunities. Expanding and providing high-quality, world-class educational programs is critical to capitalising on innovation and demographic dividend.

Ethiopia ranks 130th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2024, trailing neighbouring Kenya at 96th. In the sub-Saharan African region, it claims 24th rank, while Kenya is one of the six innovative countries in the continent.

Successive governments have invested heavily in the education sector, expanding tertiary institutions nationwide. However, this expansion now faces the critical challenge of delivering quality programs to a larger student body. Achieving educational excellence involves improving the teacher-to-student ratio and ensuring universities have highly qualified faculty. Enhancing the financial aspects of universities is part of this equation, enabling institutions to attract and retain top talent.

Access to the latest academic research, participation in scientific investigations, and forging partnerships are vital components. Collaborations across different sectors can enhance the quality of tertiary education and increase the absorption capacity of various industries. These partnerships can lead to practical studies and innovations directly benefiting the economy.

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PUBLISHED ON Sep 28,2024 [ VOL 25 , NO 1274]

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