Reflections on the Trimmed Roles of Research Institutes at Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This article aims to examine critically the recent policy changes at Addis Ababa University (AAU) concerning the downsizing of the traditional roles of research institutes as part of the newly introduced structural reform by the university. Conquering the traditional teaching and research nexus in universities, Addis Ababa University denies its research institutes the right to own and run teaching programs. The article considers the pitfalls of putting teaching and research apart, and explores a range of strategies that the university can adopt to enhance the teaching and research synergy, particularly at the postgraduate level. Based on a review of the debates and experiences of other countries, documentary evidences on teaching-research nexus and key informant interviews, the article argues that research institutes are the appropriate places to promote and enhance the interconnections between teaching and research, particularly at a postgraduate level. Finally, the article suggests key mechanisms for organizing the teaching and research wings in research institutes in order to optimize the joint functions of the two wings at Addis Ababa University.