Ministry of Education has unveiled plans to introduce a mandatory national service program that will require university students to teach or serve their communities for one year before graduating.
The initiative, called the “Ethiopian University Service”, was announced by Birhanu Nega (Professor), Minister of Education, during a session with the Human Resources Development, Employment, and Technology Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives.
The discussion centered on the findings of a recent study investigating the reasons behind the declining performance of students in the Grade 12 National Exit Examination.
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According to Minister Birhanu, one of the major contributors to the poor exam results is the lack of competence and motivation among teachers. In response, the Ministry is rolling out a series of short-term and long-term interventions, with the University Service program being a flagship component.
Slated to begin in 2027, the Ethiopian University Service program will require students to return to the communities where they received their education after completing their third year of university studies. There, they will spend one year teaching or engaging in community service, gaining practical experience and contributing to local development.
The program is expected to bring the gap in teacher shortages, providing temporary relief by deploying students to classrooms and foster civic responsibility and personal growth among students before they complete their degrees.
