ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia is endeavoring to achieve sustainable development backed by researches while tackling global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and pandemics, according to the Ministry of Education (MoE).
The 23rd International Conference on Private Higher Education in Africa was held yesterday, organized by St. Mary’s University (SMU) in collaboration with stakeholders under the theme: “The Academic Profession and Research Excellence in Africa.”
Opening the event, MoE State Minister Kora Tushune emphasized the vital role of educational research in achieving sustainable development goals and addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and pandemics.
He stated that Ethiopia aspires to be a beacon of growth in Africa, leveraging knowledge and technology for sustainable development. Moreover, the country is committed to transformational research that enhances the well-being of its citizens.
SMU’s President Wondwosen Tamru (PhD), emphasized that despite having over 400 public and private institutions, millions of students, and more than 50,000 scholars, Ethiopia is not effectively showcasing its educational strengths to the world.
The President criticized the heavy reliance on Western knowledge and advocated for a shift toward leveraging indigenous knowledge for global recognition.
The State Minister, for his part, urged higher education institutions across Africa to strive for a more prominent position in the global knowledge landscape, noting that although Africans contribute to research, their visibility in the academic profession often remains limited.He also mentioned that recent policy initiatives have strengthened the competitiveness of Ethiopia’s higher education institutions.
Wondwosen further explained that the conference would enhance Ethiopia’s educational diplomacy and strengthen international relationships by connecting researchers, education experts, and leaders from various countries.
The President called for reflection on how to develop and sustain robust academic programs while addressing Africa’s complex development challenges.
For her part, the UNESCO Liaison Office to the AUC and ECA Head Rita Bissoonauth (PhD) highlighted UNESCO’s commitment to supporting African member states in enhancing the quality of both private and public universities through initiatives like Campus Africa.
She also emphasized the need for integrated, inclusive, and high-quality tertiary education systems to ensure equitable access across the continent.
Kora noted the Ministry’s support for the role of private higher education in expanding access and fostering competition. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for platforms such as this conference, which promote academic excellence and research-driven solutions for Africa’s development challenges.
Around 200 participants, including educators, researchers, policymakers, university leaders, students, and partners from countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, France, the UK, Spain, Norway, Canada, the USA, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, attended the event.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 30 MAY 2025
