University Autonomy Proclamation Endorsed by Parliament

May 27 , 2023

The autonomy of universities which was a hot topic amongst Parliamentarians for months was ratified with only four opposing votes and 13 abstentions last week. With Addis Abeba University leading the way, all eight universities will be accountable for securing their own funding, with minimal financial assistance from the federal government. Students who can afford to finance their own education will be subjected to tuition fees. The Minister of Education, Birahanu Nega (Prof), highlighted the flimsy budgetary structure universities have been operating under for the past three decades, citing a meagre budget of 22 Br per student. He indicated that government will prioritise quality over quantity in the future. The Ministry of Education is expected to issue directives to regulate the implementation of the proclamation due to the dismal results of this year's university entry exams, with a 97pc failure rate. This has highlighted the insufficiency of qualified teachers and educational institutions.