-Suggests innovative measures to address dropout rates , declining enrollment
ADDIS ABABA – The Policy Studies Institute (PSI) has revealed research findings showing that Ethiopia’s national school leaving exam system has contributed to improving education quality, though challenges such as school dropout rates persist.
At an external validation workshop held yesterday on the “Recent Dynamics in National School Leaving Exam Results,” PSI Director General Fekadu Tsega stated that the new exam system has significantly reduced cheating and exam irregularities while boosting students’ confidence and recognition of their hard work.
However, he also pointed out challenges that have surfaced in recent years, including transportation and logistical difficulties, psychological pressure on students, limited access to technology and educational resources, as well as administrative and technical hurdles.
“The government is investing a substantial budget in education to enhance both quality and accessibility. However, the sector continues to face multiple challenges,” Fekadu noted.
Since the introduction of the new Grade 12 National School Leaving Exam three years ago, the Ministry of Education has been administering the exams in university campuses to ensure a more controlled and standardized environment. Despite these efforts, research indicates that only 3.5% of students score above 50%, highlighting concerns about the country’s ability to develop sufficient human capital.
PSI Researcher Desalegn Anshiso (PhD) underscored that although TVET institutions have expanded, the number of students qualifying for university admission has been declining due to the stricter exam system. He recommended stronger collaboration among educational institutions to better prepare students for the exams.
“The revised exam system has had a positive impact by motivating students to study harder. However, schools should prioritize quality over quantity-ensuring they provide adequate facilities, well-trained teachers, and modern educational tools,” Desalegn emphasized.
He further pointed out a concerning decline in societal value placed on education, partially driven by the low income of civil servants. To address this, he urged educational institutions to prioritize merit-based curriculum implementation rather than focusing on graduating a large number of students in the same fields.
The study suggests that to combat dropout rates and declining enrollment, innovative solutions—such as better career guidance, vocational training integration, and improved educational infrastructure—are needed.
The findings reinforce the need for a balanced approach to education reform, ensuring both academic excellence and broader accessibility to learning opportunities for students across Ethiopia.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2025
