The significance of being an autonomous university leads to a capacity to enhance academic freedom, promote innovative governance, and tailor educational programs to meet the evolving needs of society. This ultimately empowers institutions to contribute significantly to national development and global knowledge.
Among Ethiopia’s universities, Addis Ababa University has been selected to transition to autonomous status. As part of this initiative, the University’s Interim President, Samuel Kifle (PhD), recently addressed the media regarding the university’s progress, stating that it is on track to become the country’s first autonomous university, coinciding with its upcoming the 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary.
During a press conference, Kifle highlighted that it has been 19 months since the Ethiopian Parliament approved University’s transition to autonomy. This period saw new leadership take office. Under this administration, several policies and guidelines have been developed, including a five-year strategic plan titled ‘Reimagining Our Future’, which has been approved by the Executive Board and is currently being implemented.
This strategic plan (2024–2028) was designed to guide the University’s regular activities and annual planning, outlining the necessary steps for a successful transition to autonomy. Key priorities include creating a conducive learning environment, promoting academic excellence, enhancing research quality, and fostering community and industry engagement for effective problem-solving skills. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the importance of ensuring accountable governance, encouraging collaboration, and promoting resourcefulness.
To implement the strategic plan efficiently and effectively, the drafting and approval of both existing and new policies, legal frameworks, and guidelines have been initiated and are currently in progress. In this context, several significant developments have been witnessed, including the revision and approval of the Senate Act of Addis Ababa University, which aligns with the proclamation and the strategic plan and has been in effect since April 2024.
A student admission and recruitment policy, that reflects academic freedom, was also approved, allowing Addis Ababa University to accept students based on its own criteria since 2025. To bolster internal revenue and establish a broad resource base, the University has formulated and approved a resource generation and expansion policy, as well as an endowment policy, which includes revising service rates.
The University also undertook a review of its existing 500+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs, resulting in a streamlined offering of 416 programs (350 postgraduate and 66 undergraduate) organized under seven colleges and one law school. Similarly, research performance and the functioning of research institutes have been reorganized into seven research institutes.
Moreover, the internal structure of Addis Ababa University has been evaluated and supported by research, with interim heads assigned to oversee operations since January 2025. Comprehensive studies on manpower requirements, job evaluations, salary and benefits, and potential third-party collaborations have been completed and are set for discussion and implementation upon executive board approval.
Specific activities have also been undertaken to facilitate the transition to autonomy, including academic conferences and panels on various agendas, cooperation agreements with domestic and international partners, and cultural and sports initiatives.
The primary objectives are to complete and implement ongoing projects and to foster a conducive working and learning environment. In summary, Addis Ababa University’s transition to autonomy is progressing according to plan and is expected to be completed within the established timeframe.
The success of this autonomy reform has been bolstered by the support of various stakeholders, particularly the government’s dedicated attention and assistance, alongside the commitment demonstrated by the university community.
Kifle emphasized that the growing number of academic departments has led to rising costs, highlighting the need for structural reforms to enhance efficiency. “Those who cannot minimize costs cannot maintain their independent,” he stated, reaffirming the University’s commitment to streamlining expenses.
“To this end, a new organizational structure has been established, and a study on human resource allocation is currently in progress. Implementation of these changes will begin upon approval by the management board.”
The University has also conducted a comprehensive review of its academic programs, utilizing software to analyze patterns and similarity indexes. This analysis has facilitated the merging and integration of similar programs, enhancing curriculum coherence.
The Interim President clarified that autonomy does not equate to a lack of government funding. “The autonomy of universities and their financial self-sufficiency are different matters,” he explained. The primary goal of autonomy is to enhance academic freedom and governance while effectively mobilizing resources. This year, the government has allocated approximately four billion birr to the University, which is expected to generate about one billion birr independently, covering roughly 20 percent of its budget. He acknowledged that achieving 80 percent self-sufficiency may take considerable time.
Kifle underscored the importance of autonomous universities having independent control over their operations and curricula. Such autonomy is crucial for fostering academic freedom, tailoring education to specific needs, and promoting economic development through the production of competent graduates and knowledge transfer. Addis Ababa University has shared its practical experiences with eight to nine local universities currently seeking autonomy.
As the university celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking its establishment as the first university in Ethiopia, this milestone aligns significantly with its transition to autonomy. The University plans to commemorate this occasion with various activities, reflecting on its history and vision for the future.
Under the theme “Honoring the Past, Reimagining the Future,” Addis Ababa University is organizing a series of events to mark its Diamond Jubilee, including an international conference, a grand alumni homecoming, and a variety of cultural and sporting activities. The University continues to play substantial contributions to the development of the country. A dedicated steering committee is currently working on the details of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
According to University’s social media page, over the past 75 years of its journey in knowledge, the university’s academic excellence, social impact, and national significance will be highlighted and testified through various research works.
The grand celebration will take place with over 280,000 of its alumni who graduated in December 2025. Key events include the Addis Ababa University 75th Anniversary Symposium, a special Diamond Jubilee celebration, publications, continuous lectures, exhibitions, a documentary film, and a time capsule. Furthermore, numerous events designed to preserve the university’s history for future generations are included in the celebration.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 15 APRIL 2025
