Amleset Muchie Interview with Engineer Bijay on Maya

Amleset Muchie interview on Maya Media.

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It has been stated that the process of self-financed universities seeking resources should not jeopardize the institutional goals. According to the proclamation establishing private universities, concerns have been raised that these institutions, in their efforts to cover their expenses, might become overly commercialized.

The Ministry of Education recently announced that efforts are underway to make 10 universities self-financed within the next two years. In an interview with Ethio FM, education and leadership expert Ato Dereje TekeLe emphasized that universities should not compromise the quality of education while trying to address this resource gap.

He cited examples of universities utilizing land acquired through donations or gifts to engage in agriculture and similar commercial activities. While the existence of self-financed universities is believed to have significant benefits, it was noted that education should not be treated like other critical national resources merely as a means to reduce government expenditure.

The expert also highlighted that the weak performance currently observed in universities is increasingly becoming a burden on the regular educational system of these institutions.

Another education expert, Dr. Mekbib Tasew, who was also consulted, pointed out that the budgets of self-financed universities are not as straightforward as they might seem. He explained that similar institutions globally have been established through processes aligned with the country's economic system.

However, in Ethiopia, the reliance on student tuition and service fees as a primary source of income for self-financed universities continues to raise concerns about the right to education, potentially excluding many from accessing learning opportunities.

The experts emphasized that the journey toward self-financed universities should not be a decision made solely by the Ministry but should involve broader public consultation.

The Minister of Education, addressing concerns about declining educational quality, stated that the transition of higher education institutions to self-financed models is one of the strategies being considered to address these challenges.

In conclusion, the issue remains complex, requiring careful consideration and inclusive dialogue to ensure that the move toward self-financed universities does not undermine the fundamental right to education.