Society of Friends of The Institute of Ethiopian Studies (SOFIES) honored its Ex-President Aklilu Habte  who was the former Second President of Haile Selassie I University at the historic Ras Mekonnen Senate Hall on January 28, 2022.

Professor Tasew Weldehanna, President of Addis Ababa University, in his congratulatory speech said that Dr. Aklilu Habte was the first university student and lecturer in the history of twentieth century education in Ethiopia, as well as the first Ethiopian Scholar who was the Dean of Education and Behavior and the Second President of Haile Selassie I University.

On behalf of himself and the Addis Ababa University, Professor Tassew expressed his deepest gratitude to the audience during the inauguration ceremony of a film commemorating the life and experience of Aklilu Habte who was the Ex-President of Haile Selassie I University.

The biographic film of Dr. Aklulu Habte was prepared by Dr. Yohannes Zeleke from the Natural History Museum of America (SMITHSION Institute), screen during the event.

Prof. Tassew in his presence in the evening of inaugural ceremony of the film about Dr. Aklilu Habte, explained that Dr. Aklilu Habte has served with great interest and love during his 16 years at the university and in a short time has grown the institution to great heights with amazing quality and excellence.

Dr. Aklilu Habte, during his presidency of Addis Ababa University, laid the foundation for our university’s current identity, especially for his academic contributions and for his contribution to the growth of Ethiopian faculty and indigenous knowledge.

Sahilewerk Zewde, President of the Federal Government of Ethiopia, in her inaugural address expressed her gratitude to Dejazmach Kassa Woldemariam, the first president of Haile Selassie I University, and Dr. Aklilu Habte, the next president of the institution, for their great work in making the university Ethiopian.

“Dr. Aklilu Habte is a great and veteran Ethiopian scholar who laid the foundation for the University to be independently governed by Ethiopians and paved a way for Ethiopians to study and research”, Sahilewerk noted.

Aklilu Habte (PhD), the former Second President of Haile Selassie I University, stressed that it is important to remember and give thanks and recognition to a person who has served his country and his people sincerely and diligently.

Dr. Aklilu Habte expressed his gratitude and appreciation to President Sahelework Zewde for the great recognition he received and thanked the organizers of the forum as well.

Theodros Shewangizaw

Photos by: Fikremariam Beyene