Kotebe University of Education: A Concise Historical Journey The roots of Kotebe University of Education (KUE), formerly known as Kotebe Metropolitan University, can be traced back nearly 65 years to a college of education established within Haileselassie I University (HSIU) in 1959. After a decade, the college was relocated to the Addis Ababa Technical and Vocational College. Subsequently, the institution was renamed as the Addis Ababa College of Teacher Education. In 1976, the decision was made to move the college to Kotebe and it was during this time that the renowned brand name, Kotebe College of Teachers Education (KCTE), was born. KCTE initiated degree programs in 1989 offering studies in different degree programs. By 1997, the College became answerable to Addis Ababa City Administration, resulting in the discontinuation of all degree programs except for Health and Physical Education. Following 9 years of unwavering dedication from the College's management, the community, alumni, and other stakeholders, the degree programs in 10 departments were reintroduced in 2007 in affiliation with Bahir Dar University. Additionally, a major milestone was reached in the history of Kotebe College of Teacher Education in 2014 when the Addis Ababa City Government granted it university college status. A significant milestone in the institution's history took place on December 15, 2016, as Kotebe University College was elevated to Metropolitan University status. This transition led to the reorganization of the university into 8 distinct academic units. Additionally, Science Shared Secondary School has been operating under the university's supervision. In line with Proclamation No. 1263/2021, Kotebe Metropolitan University (KMU) has officially transformed into Kotebe University of Education (KUE ). The university's administration has developed a comprehensive roadmap for this transition, enlisting the expertise of dedicated think tanks, professors, scholars, partners, and stakeholders. Following this strategic plan, KUE has introduced new curricula to address the ongoing challenges in the quality of education nationwide, marking the beginning of an impactful implementation phase. The Rationale for the Shift from KMU to KUE Initially affiliated with Addis Ababa City Administration, KMU played a vital role in training skilled individuals, conducting research, and offering community services tailored to address the intricate social, economic, and political challenges of the urban community. Despite its valuable contributions, KMU encountered hurdles related to budget constraints and insufficient infrastructure. Additionally, its affiliation with the Addis Ababa Education Bureau and the acceptance of students from diverse regions of the nation led to administrative complexities, impacting budget allocations , administrative operations, and infrastructure development. Building on its substantial experience in cultivating education professionals and addressing these challenges, KMU's scope and governance underwent transformation. Following a decree by the House of Peoples Representatives of the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Republic Ethiopia (FDRE) on October 24, 2021, the University's focus shifted to the Ministry of Education (MoE). This restructuring necessitated a redefined mission and a change in nomenclature, transitioning KMU into KUE. KUE is now dedicated to fostering educational excellence and producing highly qualified educators. It emphasizes research in education-related fields and is committed to providing vital services within the community. This shift signifies a strategic move towards enhancing the quality and focus of education provision within Ethiopia. Regarding the quality of education in Ethiopian higher education institutions, there are widespread concerns among the public. Despite the establishment of numerous universities in recent years, there is a notable absence of a specialized institution dedicated to providing graduates with comprehensive pedagogical skills necessary for them to become well-rounded education professionals. The Ethiopian Education Development Roadmap (2018-2030) explicitly outlines the necessity of creating a university specifically focused on the education of teachers and educational leaders. This pressing need for a specialized educational institution in the country has led to the establishment of KUE. The university aims to address the quality of education challenges currently prevalent in Ethiopia. Transitional Works at Kotebe University of Education Following the FDRE Parliament's endorsement of Proclamation No. 1263/2021, a transition team headed by KUE President has been established. This team has conducted a comprehensive assessment of the practices, approaches, and successes of education universities in Africa and globally. To inform the transition roadmap, the team has drawn upon the best practices of institutions such as the Hong Kong University of Education, the Education University of Winneba, and the Korean National University of Education. Additionally, the University has formulated its mission, vision, core values, and motto in alignment with its revised mandate. KUE has also been actively engaging in consultative meetings with various stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful transition. In order to broaden its scope of activities and enhance the caliber of its services in education, research, and consultancy, the University has forged partnerships with international universities and entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). KUE strives to: Core Values:
⚫ Student success
⚫ Professionalism
⚫ Innovation and Embracing Change
⚫ Excellence
⚫ Integrity
⚫ Diversity and Inclusion
⚫ Collaboration and Engagement Motto:
Committed to Excellence in Education!
KUE is dedicated to fostering educational excellence and producing highly qualified educators. It emphasizes research in education-related fields and is committed to providing vital services within the community.
Read more