News Teachers Association appeals for free health services at university hospitals, better pay
By Sisay Sahlu
November 9, 2024
The Ethiopian Teachers Association (ETA) has appealed to the Ministry of Education for greater support for university teachers and their families, requesting access to free healthcare at university hospitals and a hardship allowance.
A recent letter to the Ministry, signed by Association President Yohannes Benti (PhD), highlights that while Ethiopia’s public universities operate teaching hospitals that serve both as educational research and community health centers, university teachers are still required to pay for their own healthcare at these facilities.
The Association argues that this policy is unjust and demoralizing for educators who play a crucial role in advancing education and providing public service.
Its appeal includes additional demands for a housing allowance and a hardship allowance, citing that teachers face considerable financial challenges and often work in difficult conditions.
The Association notes that many government employees in other sectors receive hardship allowances for working in extreme conditions, yet university teachers are excluded from this provision.
Moreover, university teachers do not benefit from subsidized housing, unlike employees in many other public organizations, adding further strain to their financial situations.
In recent times, the rising cost of living and issues within university administration have compounded these difficulties, leaving teachers struggling to meet basic needs. The Association demanded immediate action to alleviate the burden on university educators, who are increasingly facing the dual pressures of economic hardship and rising expectations in their professional roles.
University teachers across Ethiopia have voiced these concerns in recent years, with many calling for wage increases and a revision of their professional grading structure. In some cases, educators have warned that continued inaction could lead to strikes or other disruptions.
Despite ongoing discussions within the Ministry of Education about reforming educational standards and improving performance outcomes, the Association noted that these measures have not been accompanied by any tangible improvements in quality of life for university teachers.
A significant factor contributing to faculty dissatisfaction is Ethiopia’s low salary scale for university educators, which has eroded the prestige of the profession. Data shows that currently, full professors, who are at the top of the academic pay scale, earn approximately USD 358 per month before taxes and pensions, which translates to about USD 234 after deductions.
However, this net salary is insufficient to rent even a modest two-bedroom apartment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, highlighting the economic realities that deter new talent from pursuing academic careers.
The Association urges the Ministry to address these pressing issues promptly, emphasizing that supporting university teachers is essential not only for their well-being but also for the long-term improvement of educational quality in Ethiopia.