By: Kassahun Chanie
During a recent session of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Development, Employment, and Technology Affairs with the House of People’s Representatives, Negeri Lencho (PhD), who serves as the chairman, emphasized that the current educational crisis is not limited to the Ministry of Education alone.
Chairman Negeri highlighted the broader implications of this crisis, suggesting that it affects multiple sectors and requires a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues.
This statement comes in the wake of a critical study presented to the House of People's Representatives, which examined the alarming decline in Grade 12 academic performance.
In that recent committee session, Negeri emphasized that the findings of the ministry’s study highlight a pressing need for collective accountability among all stakeholders involved in education. The study's results revealed that many students are struggling academically due to systemic issues, prompting a call for a comprehensive approach to reform.
Negeri noted the study's success in fostering a new awareness among students, encouraging them to reflect critically on their educational journeys.
“Students must view their academic challenges from an external perspective,” he stated.
The data indicated that unfair competition and unrealistic expectations from various regions contribute significantly to the problem.
The chairman also pointed out that educators are not exempt from blame.
He revealed disturbing claims from committee members about unethical practices, including bribery, where some entities resorted to "slaughtering sheep and buying wine" to manipulate student results.
Negeri highlighted that this corruption undermines the integrity of education and affects even those who fail to meet academic standards.
Minister of Education Professor Berhanu Nega corroborated these concerns, asserting that all parties involved share complicity in students’ declining performance.
Professor Berhanu disclosed shocking statistics: some students are unable to read by the eighth grade, revealing hidden deficiencies within the education sector. Berhanu stressed that recent examinations have exposed critical moral and educational failings within society.
The minister acknowledged that while improving teachers' living conditions is crucial, the current economic climate poses significant challenges.
“Our economy simply cannot support the necessary reforms at this time,” he explained.
He also reported a staggering shortage of over 100,000 teachers nationwide, exacerbating the crisis.
The study identified several key factors contributing to poor student outcomes, including inadequate educational infrastructure, low teacher salaries, and students’ lack of preparedness for learning.
Moreover, logistical issues such as insufficient access to water and electricity further hinder educational effectiveness. The motivation of teachers was also cited as a critical issue needing urgent attention.
To address these challenges, the study recommends implementing special compensatory education programs and enhancing support for educational leadership and teaching staff.
Additionally, it calls for incentive packages aimed at boosting teacher morale and engagement.
As the education sector grapples with these multifaceted issues, in his remarks the chairman of the standing committee with House, Negeri has called for collective responsibility as a crucial reminder that improving educational outcomes requires a united effort from all sectors of society.