During the regime of Haile Selassie I in Ethiopia, which lasted from 1930 to 1974, education policy objectives were centered around modernizing the education system, expanding access to education, and promoting national unity and development. Some of the stated goals and intended outcomes of the education policies during his rule included:
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Expansion of Access to Education: There was a focus on increasing the number of schools and educational institutions in both urban and rural areas to ensure that more children had access to education.
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Promotion of Modern Education: The government aimed to replace traditional education methods with a more modern curriculum that included subjects like science, mathematics, and foreign languages, reflecting a more contemporary and global perspective.
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Development of Higher Education: The establishment of institutions of higher learning was prioritized to create a more educated populace that could contribute to the country's development.
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National Integration: The education policies aimed to promote national consciousness and unity among Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups, reinforcing a sense of national identity through a common educational framework.
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Encouragement of Technical and Vocational Training: The regime sought to develop a skilled workforce that could support the country's economic development through vocational training programs.
During Haile Selassie's reign, the first university in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University (originally known as the University College of Addis Ababa), was established in 1950. This marked a significant step in the development of higher education in the country. Over time, more universities and higher education institutions were established, contributing to the overall goal of expanding education in Ethiopia. By the end of his reign in 1974, several universities and colleges had been founded, but specific numbers may vary depending on the sources and how institutions were counted (e.g., colleges versus universities).