Establishing close ties between scholars, government said crucial for development

Addis Ababa, August 16(ENA)-- The political will and readiness of the incumbent government to work in cooperation with scholars of higher learning institutions has paramount importance in building a democratic culture and improving the image of the country, participants of the ongoing forum said on Friday.

At a press conference held in connection with the discussion forum, they said the decision of the government to correct its misconception about higher learning institutions and the desire to work in consultations with scholars is a step to the right direction.

The various ideas entertained in the free forum could be instrumental in bridging the gap that was created between the scholars and the government and develop a common national consensus.

The commitment of the government to organize such a forum that could facilitate ways for the sharing of ideas and experiences could contribute great deal to the measures being undertaken reduce the level of poverty and build democratic institutions in the country.

The scholars also urged the people of Ethiopia to join hands in support of the national initiatives launched to lift the country from the quagmire of poverty.

A teacher of political science and international relations with the Addis Ababa University (AAU) Dr. Asefa Medahine said the discussion, which is the first of its kind to be organized between the scholars, and the government could be useful for the development of the country.

Dr Asefa who was also academic vice president of AAU said the forum has enabled the scholars to express their ideas freely, which were suppressed due to lack of such a forum.

A scholar of sociology and social anthropology Dr. Gemechu Megersa said during the last few year scholars were not having a clear understanding about the constitution, adding that the discussions held with top ranking government officials including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi have shade light to the distorted part of the story.

The will of the government to correct its previous mistakes with regard to higher learning institutions could pave the way for consultations and cooperation in the development endeavor of the country, he said.

A communication scholar Dr. Gebre-Medhin Simon also said the forum has brought together the two parties to openly discuss about their country and engineer constructive ideas for development.

He said the participants of the discussion have recognized the irreplaceable role of education in addressing the cause of poverty and accelerating economic development.

A teacher of law at the Addis Ababa Commercial College Solomon Ayale said the discussions held with the government about the various policies and strategies have opened a new chapter in building a democratic culture in the country.

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