AAU's new vision
An African Research University

By Endale Assefa

The Addis Ababa University assessed its missions and visions of transforming itself into an eminent African research university that would grant it full institutional autonomy and a vibrant culture of academic freedom at a conference held from November 7 to 11, 2006.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who made a cameo appearance at the conclusion of the conference on Saturday 11, November, voiced his appreciation of the idea.

“Your program of transformation is timely and very exciting. We are very eager to see you [Professor Andreas Eshete] and your colleagues succeed in your endeavor. I want to assure you that you have my full support and that of our government in your plans to make this university an institution that plays a leading and vital role in the regeneration of our old nation,” he said.

The PM raised several challenges that the idea may face and followed those with possible solutions. “The AAU's ideas and ideals of the ‘University Renewal' require a lot of money. Unfortunately, we don't have enough, so we need to find ways of squaring the circle. In my opinion, the first order of business has to be looking for ways of giving the best possible service at minimum cost. The AAU has to generate revenue from the service it provides, particularly from the research and advisory services it offers,” he added.

The PM also suggested that the University should create partnerships with well reputed Universities around the world and come up with research agendas that could help acquire funding for the project.

During the conference entitled ‘Join AAU's Strategic Planning process now,' President of the AAU and UNESCO Chair for Human Rights and Democracy Professor Andreas Eshete said, “There is a widely shared aspiration to transform AAU into a Research University which is dedicated to demonstrate excellence in critical inquiry and public engagement in order to advance individual as well as collective freedom and well-being in Ethiopia and in our continent.”

“The AAU needs to exercise its powers and entitlements bestowed upon it by Higher Education Proclamation, but this requires financial, administrative and physical management as well as technically supported personnel. This would help mobilize and deploy its resources with efficiency and accountability at a level adequate to sustain a self-governing research university,” he added.

“The purpose of the conference is to understand the expectations and suggestions of other stakeholders - educators, government officials, members of the private sector, international partners and other citizens - concerning the strategic planning. Ideas will be considered from stakeholders in designing the university's five year plan, which is being drafted by a committee of 17 members,” Dr. Abye Tasse, Director of Strategic Planning and Reform Office at AAU told Capital

According to Dr. Abye, AAU wants the five year plan to emphasize on post graduate programs so as to help accommodate the high demand of qualified personnel in the country.

“Besides, the program helps in narrowing the gap between shortage of instructors and the growing number of Colleges and Universities in the country,” he noted.

Ato Amare Asgdom, an educational researcher presented a study entitled, ‘Ethiopian experience of higher education past and present' during the conference.

“Since its foundation in 1950, the AAU has served the prevailing ideology both during Emperor Haile Sellasie's and the Derg regimes. The AAU's effort today is to fully enjoy institutional autonomy,” he said.

The draft document on ‘Join AAU's Strategic Planning process now' was distributed to the participants stating 11 mission points, which include enhancing Ethiopia's capacity in higher education by developing vibrant graduate programs and by nurturing professional competence, a humanistic education, a scientific culture, academic excellence and commitment, ethical citizenship, and preserve and enrich Ethiopia's natural and cultural heritage among others.

The conference was attended by several heads of ministries, political party leaders, members of the private sector, NGOs and various scholars.