A History of Addis Ababa University’s Faculty of Education from Inception to 1974

Abstract

This paper attempts at reconstructing the history of the Faculty of Education of Addis Ababa University until 1974. It records the  development of the faculty since its inception in careful detail, with due attention to major events, organizational adjustments, and  educational reforms that marked its path. The analysis explores how the Faculty of Education adapted to Ethiopia’s changing social and  political landscape, illustrating its crucial role in influencing the nation’s educational system. Key contributions of the faculty to teacher training, curriculum development, and educational policy form a core component of this study. It also reviews the various phases of  development, challenges faced in the initial years, strategies adopted to overcome them, and how these moves impacted the greater  schema of education. It develops a comprehensive account of how internal and external challenges were responded to by the faculty  through the examination of archival documents and primary sources, and how such reactions shaped its evolving role. The narrative also  highlights the interplay between the Faculty’s development and broader historical trends, such as political shifts, educational reforms,  and societal changes. This contextualization underscores how the Faculty’s efforts were intertwined with national developments and  global educational movements. The study not only offers a detailed historical account but also provides valuable insights into the  institution’s successes and struggles, offering a foundation for understanding its subsequent evolution. This comprehensive exploration  aims to contribute to a deeper appreciation of the Faculty of Education’s formative years and its lasting impact on Ethiopia’s educational  landscape.