The FDRE Education and Training Authority (ETA) has revoked the operational licenses of 52 private higher education institutions, citing a “failure to comply with regulatory requirements and directives issued by the authority.”
The affected institutions, primarily private colleges, reportedly failed to enroll in the mandatory re-registration system—a foundational requirement for maintaining legal standing in Ethiopia’s higher education sector. According to the ETA, the decision to terminate these licenses follows an extensive period of administrative outreach. Official statements indicate that the regulatory body utilized formal letters, telephonic follow-ups, and direct contact to solicit compliance; however, the institutions reportedly failed to meet national standards or respond adequately to enforcement measures.
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To ensure the immediate cessation of services, the ETA has instructed regional state governments and the city administrations of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa to enforce the closures. Relevant bureaus, including justice, police, and trade authorities, have been tasked with monitoring compliance and preventing further unauthorized operations.
Minister of Education Professor Berhanu Nega framed the crackdown as a “sector-wide wake-up call,” emphasizing that the government’s priority is academic quality rather than protecting underperforming institutions.
Authorities have further called for investigations into any potential harm caused to students and the public, with instructions to pursue legal action where necessary. Under current regulations, banned institutions are legally mandated to facilitate the transfer of their students to accredited colleges. In cases where transfers are not feasible, the ETA has indicated that institutions may face legal proceedings to compensate students for lost tuition and academic time.
