Addis Ababa University
speciality: Biological Sciences

My experience at Addis Ababa University’s College of Health Sciences gave me a solid foundation in medicine, but the program was overcrowded, making it hard to receive personalized attention. In my year, there were too many students for the available faculty to manage effectively. Many instructors didn’t know us personally, and their involvement was inconsistent.

We had senior doctors assigned as advisors in departments like internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and gynecology—about one doctor per three students—which was helpful in theory. However, due to their busy schedules, meetings were irregular, and feedback often felt more critical than educational.

Exams, especially oral exams, were anxiety-inducing since we received little to no training beforehand. Technical procedures were not well taught, and while we were lightly encouraged to get hands-on experience during rounds, there wasn’t enough structured support or follow-through. Lab equipment was available, which helped, but some specialties like psychiatry were especially neglected in terms of active teaching—we mostly observed without guidance.

Extracurricular and additional learning opportunities were limited. Despite these challenges, I still gained valuable skills and knowledge through clinical exposure. With better student-to-teacher ratios, more structured practical teaching, and consistent mentorship, the program could significantly improve.

Addis Ababa University (AAU) is the oldest and most prestigious higher education institution in Ethiopia. Founded in 1950 as the University College of Addis Ababa, it was later renamed in 1962. Located in the capital city, Addis Ababa, the university serves as a major center for academic excellence, research, and national development.

AAU began with just a few faculties but has since grown to include over 10 colleges, offering undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs across a wide range of disciplines including science, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, law, and the humanities. It has produced many of Ethiopia’s leaders, academics, and professionals.

The university is also home to several research institutes, such as the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, and works on pressing national and regional issues, from health and agriculture to climate change and governance. With a student population of over 50,000 and a strong faculty base, AAU continues to play a key role in Ethiopia’s education sector.

Despite facing challenges like resource limitations and political pressures, Addis Ababa University remains a symbol of intellectual leadership and a critical hub for innovation, scholarship, and national development in Ethiopia and beyond.