The Delegates of the Shanghai Administrative Institute (AI) paid an educational visit to Addis Ababa University and held a discussion with the University’s higher officials at the president’s office on the 17^th of August 2023.

The AAU officials warmly welcomed with Ethiopian hospitality the guests gave them a brief explanation about the historical establishment of Addis Ababa University and the level of success the institution has reached now.

Abdurazak Mohammed (PhD), AAU Chief Planning Officer, said that the University is a pioneer Higher Education Institute (HEI) in the country, established in 1950’s and its name was the University College of Addis Ababa University (UCAA) at the very beginning.

He further said that the university began its career with 33 students and 10 instructors in 1950’s as of today AAU has more than 33,694 students enrolled in different programs, and 2,850 permanent staff are currently involved in teaching and research activities.

The University’s Chief Planning Officer told the delegates that AAU has now become the first Autonomous Public Research University and is working on how to transform the University to become a world-class university.

Dr. Abdurazak briefly explained the University’s vision, mission, and values to the representatives of the Shanghai Administrative Institute.

Professor Mei Lihong, one of the Shanghai delegates, said in her part, “I have learnt that Addis Ababa University is the first comprehensive university in Ethiopia. AAU is working like China’sTsinghua University and Peking University which are among the highest-ranked universities in the world.”

“Shanghai administrative institute is directly under Shanghai Municipal Government. We are also the institute in charge of Philosophy studies, Social Science studies, trainings, personnel and leadership. We also have graduate programs led by the state council of China”, Professor Mei added.

Reporter: TheodrosShewangizaw

Photographer: Andualem Aseffa

Editor: Abraham Girmay