ADDIS ABABA – Former president of the Addis Ababa University (AAU), Prof Tasew Woldehana has offered his support to his successor to lead the University to complete autonomy.
The council of ministers last month approved a regulation that granted the AAU to return to its autonomy status after 50 years.
The country’s oldest higher learning institution is now implementing a new administration structure as per the regulation. So far, a new governing board of the AAU has been formed with Ethio Telecom’s CEO Frehiwot Tamru as chairperson.
Dr. Samuel Kiflie, state minister of Education, has also been assigned to serve as Interim President of the University, while Berhanu Nega became AAU’s first Chancellor.
More appointments including vice presidents and senate members are expected to be made to the administration soon.
The new leadership is tasked to guide AAU’s transition to autonomous status that enables the University to self-govern its budget and administration as of the 2017 Ethiopian calendar.
Former president backs successor
The leadership reorganization effectively relieved Prof Tasew from his top position at the AAU helm as of August 25, 2023.
In an email he wrote to the staff on Saturday, Prof Tasew thanked the AAU community for the support during his administration.
“I am appreciative of the help you have given me in assisting AAU in realizing its goals and missions and ultimately securing its complete autonomy,” he said. “All those who support my vision and openly critique my management have my utmost respect. It would not have been feasible to improve the university for the better without your help.”
Prof Tasew has called on the staff to support interim President Dr. Samuel in the bid to bring the AAU back to its complete autonomy.
He said, “I am confident that you will join me in giving him our entire support as he works to bring AAU to complete autonomy. Dr. Samuel has over eight years of experience leading higher education.”
Prof Tasew has been the university’s President, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, and Dean of the College of Business and Economics, respectively, since April 27, 2012.
This is in addition to his roles as an academic staff member and previous responsibilities at the college and department levels.
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