Addis Ababa University: A Historical Overview and Academic Programs

Addis Ababa University (AAU), Ethiopia's oldest university, has played a pivotal role in the country's educational landscape since its establishment in 1950. From its humble beginnings as a two-year college to its current status as a comprehensive national university with thirteen campuses, AAU has evolved significantly, contributing to research, community service, and the training of skilled professionals across various disciplines. This article explores the history, programs, and key features of Addis Ababa University, providing a detailed overview of its structure, academic offerings, and contributions to Ethiopian society.

Historical Development

The origins of Addis Ababa University can be traced back to March 20, 1950, with the establishment of a two-year college by the Jesuit Lucien Matte, responding to the appeal of Emperor Haile Selassie I. The institution began its operations the following year. Over the subsequent two years, affiliations with the University of London and the University of Oxford were developed. Subsidized by the Organisation of African Unity, programs were put in place to offer free scholarships to Africans from across the continent seeking higher education. The nucleus of AAU was formed with the establishment of the University College of Addis Ababa (UCAA) in 1950. Initially comprising the Faculties of Arts and Science, UCAA became a fully-fledged college in 1954. The Building College opened in 1955.

In February 1961, these various colleges and the Theological College were consolidated to form the Haile Selassie University. Emperor Haile Selassie I donated his Guenete Leul Palace to serve as the administration building and main campus.

Until 1974, the university's governance structure consisted of the Chancellor (the Emperor himself), the Board of Governors (composed of ministers and members of the royal family), and the Faculty Council (made up of university officers, deans, directors, and elected members). The Faculty later became the Senate.

In 1977, Duri Mohammed was appointed president of AAU. Despite turbulent times amid the Ethiopian insurrection, the academy was preserved and saw a resurgence under his leadership. However, AAU also lost its relative autonomy when it was brought under the Commission for Higher Education, which came to exercise administrative jurisdiction over all institutions of higher learning. In 1993, AAU was placed under the Ministry of Education by a government proclamation.

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Campus and Facilities

AAU boasts thirteen campuses, twelve of which are located in Addis Ababa, and one in Bishoftu, approximately 45km away. The main university library, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, is situated on the main campus at Sidist Kilo, offering an extensive collection of study materials. For students interested in sports, there is a sports complex with playing fields and courts. The university also fosters a vibrant student life through numerous clubs and annual competitions.

Research Institutions and Teaching Hospitals

Addis Ababa University has several associated research institutions, including the Institute of Ethiopian Studies. To support medical education, there are two teaching hospitals:

Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH): Located at the College of Health Sciences, TASH has 700 beds and offers student training in various medical areas.
Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH): Situated at the Debre Zeit Campus with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, VTH treats between 15,000 and 20,000 animals annually, providing students with valuable practical experience.

International Collaborations

The university has established relationships with universities around the world, carrying out various exchange activities such as academic exchanges, scientific research cooperation and the opportunity for students to study abroad.

History Program Overview

The History program at Addis Ababa University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events and methodologies. The program aims to enhance students' pedagogical skills to create engaging and inclusive learning environments and promote critical thinking for analyzing and interpreting historical contexts.

Objectives of the History Program

The History program at Addis Ababa University aims to:

Train researchers committed to the discipline of history to tackle societal problems using the potentials and possibilities embedded in the profession.
Produce skilled personnel and professionals who can carry out research in the political, economic, social, and cultural history of Ethiopia.
Produce professionals well-versed in various aspects of the past, especially of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, including environmental, political, economic, social, ethnographic, and regional dynamics.
Cultivate scholars with a tradition of tolerance and positivity towards the ethnic and cultural diversity of the country.
Create professionals with a clear worldview and the ability to relate their profession with local, regional, national, and international dynamics and realities.
Prepare students to serve national needs and pursue careers in the public and private sectors requiring verbal, writing, and analytical skills.
Train well-qualified teachers of History for secondary-level educational institutions.

Program Structure and Key Courses

The program structure includes various courses designed to provide a thorough understanding of historical contexts and methodologies. Key courses include:

History and Historiography
Pre-Colonial African History
The Ancient World
Africa from Colonialism to Independence
Political History of Ethiopia
Survey of European History

Key Information

Duration: The full-time program lasts 48 months.
Start Date: The program typically starts around September 30.
Language: The program is delivered in English.
Location: The program is conducted on the Addis Ababa campus.

Academic and Other Requirements

Specific academic requirements such as GRE, GMAT, or GPA scores are not explicitly specified. Similarly, specific English language requirements are not listed. However, general requirements include:

A letter from the Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency (HERQA) for the certification of educational documents.
Two copies of educational documents.
A letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia or the student's embassy in Ethiopia, indicating the reason for being in the country.
Application fee: 40 USD for Undergraduate Programs, 150 USD for Graduate Programs.
Two passport-size photographs.
Student Insurance.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Living costs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, range from 650 to 1000 USD per month. These costs cover accommodation, public transportation, utilities, books, and groceries.

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Scholarships and Funding

Scholarship opportunities are available for History students.

Student Life and Activities

Beyond academics, AAU students actively engage in community service and political discourse, particularly in the years leading up to the 1974 revolution. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, students were required to participate in a year of national service under the Ethiopia University Service program.

Notable Alumni

Addis Ababa University has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These include:

Isaias Afwerki: The first president of Eritrea.
Aklillu Eleni: An agricultural economist.

Addis Ababa University Today

Addis Ababa University continues to be a leading institution of higher education in Ethiopia, committed to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. Its diverse programs, research institutions, and international collaborations contribute significantly to the development of the country and the region.

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