The Relations between the State and the University in Ethiopia: The Case of Addis Ababa University Since 1950

This study examines the relations between the University and State (political power) with a particular reference of Addis Ababa University under the three successive regimes. Methodologically, the study employed qualitative methodological approach and case study research design. Accordingly, the study has used both primary and secondary sources of data in which primary data were gathered through key informant interviews while secondary data were collected from books, journal articles, reports and institutional website sources. In view of that, the study employed qualitative methods of data analysis particularly document analysis and descriptive narrative. The finding of the study shows that there exist a complex, even sometimes a destructive, and in certain cases a hostile relation between the University (Addis Ababa University) and the State which is an element of continuity. The study identifies that the university-State relation under the three regimes have followed a top-down approach with a different degree. Though each supplies the other, their relations remain suspicious. On the one hand, the university contributes to the socio-economic and political development of the State by producing manpower while the State provides fund. On the other hand, the university, throughout the three regimes, has always been a source of resistance, protest, and even revolution and armed struggle. This is common to all the three regimes. As a response, all the three regimes have responded violently though with different. The study has come up with the reasons that cause the relations between the university and the State uncertain and suspicious. This includes absence of institutional autonomy and academic freedom, State interference, State dominance of the administration of university and the political orientation of each regime. This study, therefore, calls that unless the top down model of relations between the university and the State is not revised, and institutional autonomy granted, it would be the norm to have tense relations between them. Thus, it would be paramount to have a culture of interdependence in their future relations.