High Number of AAU Post-Graduates Demonstrates University’s Focus on Transition to Research

Addis Ababa: The high number of post-graduate students from the Addis Ababa University (AAU) demonstrates the university's focus on transition to a research university, Interim President Samuel Kifle said.Addis Ababa University (AAU) graduated 51 percent of post-graduates with the highest Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) out of the 5,574 students who graduated at Millennium Hall today.Opening the ceremony, AAU Interim President Samuel Kifle said 2,837 of the total are post-graduates and 2,737 undergraduates.Some 36 percent of the undergraduates are women, it was learned.The graduates hail from the university's extensive academic structure, encompassing 10 colleges, 2 technology institutes, 11 research institutions, and 17 campuses.The interim president stated that the university is developing new procedures to further improve the educational services provided.AAU Chancellor and Education Minister, Professor Birhanu Nega urged the graduates to be cognizant of the complex challenges facing Ethiopia, Afric a, and the world.He emphasized the importance of educational institutions in fostering truth-seeking and knowledge-based learning.Moreover, the chancellor encouraged graduates to embrace ethical conduct and promote national unity as they embark on their professional journeys.The graduation coincides with another significant milestone for AAU - its transition towards becoming a self-administered and autonomous university, the chancellor observed.Professor Birhanu said the government is implementing several reforms to ensure quality of education.He pointed out that a system has been put in place to make universities more autonomous in research, teaching and community-oriented services.Source: Ethiopian News Agency