KEYIR NEWS:- A total of 85 private higher education institutions have exited the sector after failing to undergo a re-registration process currently being enforced by the Education & Training Authority.
The re-registration, part of a broader quality control initiative, has raised concerns within the private education sector over stringent new requirements. Although institutions were invited to re-register, many claim the revised criteria are overly restrictive.
Tefera Gebeyehu, General Manager of the Private Higher Education and TVET Institutions Association, acknowledged that the process itself is not being opposed. However, he argued that the framework lacks flexibility and fails to account for the challenges faced by private providers—many of whom receive no incentives from the government.
Of the 85 institutions that did not re-register, 25 explained that the new standards would make it difficult to continue operations under the current system.
Binyam Ero, Deputy Director General of the Education & Training Authority, said the re-registration drive was necessitated by flaws in the original licensing process and is aimed at restoring quality in the sector. He conceded that full implementation of the requirements could lead to further closures but stated that efforts are underway to help institutions meet at least the minimum standards.
The Authority has urged the Private Higher Education Institutions Association to play a more active role in supporting and monitoring its members to avoid further shutdowns.