Ethiopia Public Service University Expands Academic Role Under New Reform Programme

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 9, 2026

The Ethiopian Public Service University is expanding its academic role beyond its traditional focus on government employees, with the institution now admitting young students based on Grade 12 results and preparing to enrol another cohort in the coming academic year.

The shift is part of a wider reform programme under which the university has been designated as an applied university, with a mandate centred on public-sector training, digitalisation and capacity building, President Nigussie Tadesse (PhD) said during a media briefing.

The university will offer 18 academic programmes approved by the Ministry of Education as part of the reform, Nigussie said. It will also focus on strengthening leadership and management capabilities, finance and economics training, and helping government institutions adopt digital technologies and innovation.

The university’s expanded mandate follows a national study into its future direction, which was conducted by a dedicated study team. The findings have been presented to the university community and partner institutions, while the proposed areas of focus are already being implemented, according to the president.

The institution has also introduced a new logo to reflect its changing role and mark what officials describe as a new phase for the 30-year-old university.

Nigussie said the government had taken a special decision to reorganise the university after assessing its existing position, a move he said had been welcomed by the university community.

Under the new structure, the university will seek to retain practices that have worked while addressing areas identified for improvement. It also plans to strengthen its institutional image and public acceptance as part of the reform process.

The university said the changes are intended to strengthen its contribution to government institutions through specialised training and capacity-building, particularly in public administration and digital transformation.

Source: FSX Business News