Ethiopia seeking active engagement with African institutions for quality education: Minister

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia has been auditing its education standard and seeking active engagement with institutions in the African continent to provide quality education, Education Minister Professor Birhanu Nega said.

Speaking at the 150th founding anniversary of University of South Africa (UNISA), the minister said the important thing in Ethiopia and Africa is to expand quality education.

Professor Birhanu, who noted that one of the things that has been hurting Ethiopia more than anything is lack of quality of education, added that the ministry is working hard to ensure quality and meaningful education to contribute to the country’s development.

According to him, this challenge is not unique to Ethiopia but also to the continent and we are auditing the system to see what our kids require for a very challenging future.

Realizing the need to improve the education landscape in Ethiopia, the minister pointed out that Ethiopia is desirous to cooperate with institutions like the University of South Africa (UNISA).

“That is why this kind of enterprise requires cooperation and active engagement, not only at a country level but also at continental level. We hope to engage on a continuous basis with institutions such as UNISA and others around the continent in our hope to provide the best education to our children,” he underscored.

The minster stated that Ethiopia is looking for good partners with organizational integrity in Africa and beyond for enhanced capabilities.

South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said on her part that the political leaders in the African continent must create a conducive environment that allows science to flourish.

The minister urged all African countries to be ambitious in science and technology in order to permanently resolve its deep-rooted difficulties observed in many areas.

African researchers should also focus on issues of intellectual challenge on the continent, Pandor stated.

Stressing on collective efforts between African countries on science and technology, she pointed out that the African Union has stated ambition to reinforce science, technology and innovation capabilities in Africa.

“I am really happy with the successful cooperation of Ethiopia and South Africa. I am pleased that cooperation includes endeavors in space science and technology. The project is implemented by the South African National Space Agency and the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute. We must harness this cooperation and make it the good scientific success of Africa”,she said.

UNISA Principal and Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula said that the celebration of 150th founding anniversary of University of South Africa (UNISA) is the manifestation of cooperation between Ethiopia and South Africa in science, culture, innovation and education.

She noted that UNISA is a truly Pan-African university shaping the future in the service of humanity, and the regional center in Ethiopia is a significant milestone.

The University of South Africa opened its regional learning center in Addis Ababa in 2007, mainly focusing on postgraduate studies, per ENA.