University Deans, Instructors Tender Resignation

Prof. Andreas Appointed President

Addis Tribune, December 20, 2002

Following the appointment of Prof. Andreas Eshete as the president of the Addis Ababa University, reports and sources close to Addis Tribune say some deans of faculties and professors have tendered their resignation.

The same sources say most instructors of the University believe that Professor Andreas and co-harbor a pro-government stance, which they said had been reflected during the meetings two weeks ago.

It is to be recalled that the former president of the University, Professor Eshetu Woncheko, the Academic Vice President, Dr. Tetemke Mehari, and the Business Vice President, Tesfaye Biru, have resigned following disagreement with the government over the evaluation of lecturers and other issues.

The sources also said that Prof. Mogessie Ashenafi, the president who preceded Prof. Eshetu Woncheko, had submitted his resignation from his post as the Director of the Institute of Pathobiology.

Professor Yemane of the Post-graduate Studies has also submitted his resignation, according to our sources.

“The academic staff of the university had expected better academic freedom and improvements in all fields after the face-to-face discussion with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi this summer. But things have turned out to be otherwise,” said one dean of a faculty.

The sources also said students fear most of the senior professors of the university would resign leading to disruptions in everyday academic activities in the University. 

Although details are scanty, some five deans/directors of faculties and schools as well as senior professors have tendered their resignation, according to the sources.