Addis Ababa University (AAU), the first state university in Ethiopia, has got its academic and administrative autonomy from the interference of the government and politicians.
This is indicated by the law passed yesterday by the Council of Ministers of Ethiopia. Based on the new law from now onwards AAU can operate independently without the interference of the government and politicians.
Based on the new directive of the Council, AAU will be the first state-owned university to secure its Academic and administrative freedom. In the new directive it is indicated the decision will enable state-owned universities in the country to operate freely from political pressure so that the higher institutions will fully focus on education and researches.
In Ethiopia academic freedom has been a major challange many scholars in the country have been complaining about as government universities are being used and abused by politicians and different regimes to advance their own political agendas. AAU is expected to be a model for other state-owned higher institutions by exercising its academic and administrative autonomy / freedom from government interference.
Addis Ababa University is Ethiopia’s oldest university founded in 1950 as University College of Addis Ababa. In 1961 it was restructured and renamed Haile Selassie I University, and in 1975 it adopted its present name.
Currently in Ethiopia it is estimated that a total of 83 private universities, and 42 public universities, and more than 35 institution of higher learning are operational.