BY MESERET BEHAILU
DEBRE MARKOS- Universities should effectively discharge their respective responsibilities of producing productive citizens via protecting the latter from being weapons of anti-peace elements and unnecessary engagements, and bolstering research and development tasks, scholars so remarked.
Speaking at a discussion held recently at Debre Markos University, East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region under theme, ‘’Peace for All, All for Peace,’’ President of the university, Tafer Melaku (Ph.D), said that in some universities barbaric actions have been done , which has never been carried out in the history of Ethiopia.
The main objective of the discussion is how to solve the problems which have created havoc in the some universities across the nation emanated from the race-oriented political set up for more than two decades. In fact, the situation has been very serious especially over the last three years following the reform, which has made many offended.
Wossen Bayu (Ph.D), conference coordinator said that the program was held for the second time next to what was conducted in Addis Ababa University. The main purpose of the idea is devising possible solution to the problems recurrently created in higher learning public institutions in particular.
“The main inspiration to prepare this program is that universities have alarmingly been altered into violent centers instead of setting up research centers, community support and education platforms in this contemporary world.
Therefore, Academic Institutions should have to prepare themselves well to successfully handle clashes and conflicts beforehand particularly focusing on cultivating the culture of peace.
Habtamu Wondemu (Professor) Social Psychologist at Addis Ababa University on his part said that the main objective of the university is conducting different problem solving researches, lecturing, keeping students’ peace, and providing alternative approaches to the community.
According to Habtamu, fake news, lack of discussion culture, irresponsibleness of some leaders and the like are the main sources of conflict in the universities.
Currently, a number of students in public and in private colleges have been increasing in number. Therefore, creating peaceful atmosphere for smooth and peaceful teaching learning process is a mist. Particularly, academic institutions are expected to be ready to solve any minor problems as they can cause big damage if neglected. In this regard, Addis Ababa University continues peaceful education programs, but it does not mean that no problem is created, Habtau noted.
The Ethiopian Herald January 6/2021
