BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
As part of its effort to bring about educational quality and academic freedom, the Ethiopian government is taking several measures, and they are bearing positive results. Granting universities autonomy, which aims at providing universities freedom to determine their policies and practices without excessive interference from external authorities, is one of the aspired measures.
The draft proclamation, “Granting University Autonomy,” that was tabled for discussion in the House of Peoples` Representatives four months ago sets public universities free from the state financially, operationally, and academically. This form of autonomy includes an institution’s ability to decide on recruitment procedures, salaries, dismissals, and promotions.
Sources indicated that the draft proclamation contains seven sections that include: general provisions; governance and management; academic and institutional autonomy; educational programs, research, and linkages with the community; funding sources, financial administration, keeping books of accounts and auditing; powers and duties of implementing agencies; and miscellaneous provisions. Based on this consideration, universities will not only be free from the influence of the state but will also gradually be detached from its budget.
Even if university autonomy is getting support from different directions, it has not escaped criticism. There are groups that stress the need for reconsideration of all the processes before passing decisions to the ground and gaining international experience. Using this as a basis, The Ethiopian Herald approached academics to share insights on the issue and efforts to ensure academic fairness and beyond.
Amanuel Eremo (PhD) is a Management Instructor at Kotebe Education University. According to him, one way to achieve balanced university autonomy is by establishing clear standards and guidelines for universities to follow. This includes requirements around admissions practices, tuition fees, financial aid policies, and academic standards. By setting clear expectations, universities can maintain their autonomy while still ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education
Most internationally acclaimed universities are autonomous and well known for their quality education and community services. These universities are also well known for their standard journals and books that have won the hearts and minds of readers around the world. It is good to provide autonomy and academic freedom at the university level, but it should be fair and balanced, and there should be a platform for policymakers, experts, and other pertinent stakeholders to discuss the subject thoroughly.
Balancing university autonomy and educational fairness requires careful consideration of the unique circumstances and needs of each institution and its students. By working together and remaining open to feedback and new ideas, universities should continue to promote academic excellence and inclusivity while maintaining their independence and autonomy.
By setting clear expectations, universities can maintain their autonomy while still ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. Ministry’s effort to apply university autonomy is good news. However, in my view, the arrangement should be initiated with clear guidelines and standards for universities to follow. This includes requirements around admissions practices, tuition and financial aid policies, and academic standards.
Universities should consider those economically disadvantageous students. This includes initiatives such as financial aid programs, mentoring and tutoring services, and outreach efforts to encourage underrepresented groups to apply to universities. Through providing additional resources to those who need them most, universities can help ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Additionally, it is also important to involve stakeholders such as students, faculty, and administrators in the decision-making process to ensure that their perspectives are heard. By creating a collaborative and inclusive environment, universities can foster a sense of ownership and accountability among all stakeholders and promote a shared vision for the future of higher education in Ethiopia.
A strikingly balanced approach to university autonomy and educational fairness in Ethiopia requires careful consideration of the unique circumstances and needs of each institution and its students. By working together and remaining open to feedback and new ideas, universities should continue to promote academic excellence and inclusivity while maintaining their independence and autonomy.
The University of California (UC) system is one of the largest and most well-respected higher education systems in the world. While each of the ten campuses within the system has some degree of autonomy, they are still subject to significant government oversight, particularly, in areas such as finances, admissions, and research. This balance has allowed the UC system to maintain its academic excellence while also being accountable to the state of California.
The University of Oxford, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world and has a long history of academic autonomy, is another good example. Despite its name and autonomy, the university is still subject to government oversight in areas such as funding, admissions, and research. This balance has allowed Oxford to maintain its academic excellence while also being accountable to the wider community.
These universities have found a way to balance autonomy with government oversight, creating a system that works well for both the institutions and the wider community. This balance has allowed them to maintain their academic excellence while also being accountable and responsive to the needs of their stakeholders.
In this regard, Ethiopia’s universities should evaluate their performance and capacity in line with international experiences and share experiences on how to generate finance, provide knowledge, and win funds. There are several universities around the world that have successfully balanced autonomy and government oversight, creating a system that works well for both the institutions and the wider community.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 20 JUNE 2023
