Research Practice in Public Universities of Ethiopia the Case of Mekelle University

Abstract

The finding of the study reveals that research practicing in Ethiopian universities is lagging behind. Mekelle university`s research policy draws from the higher education proclamation no. 531/2003 that governs HEIs in the country (FDRE, 2003). HEIs intends to develop applied research and consultancy relevant to Ethiopia s development needs. However, in practical there is less appear at present to be any overall coordinating and overseeing body to ensure that the research practice meeting the country s developmental needs. MU teaching staff is minimal or not engaged in research. despite statements in university regulation mentioning that every teaching staff should devote 25% of working time to conducting research. The research activities carried out in universities are inadequate both in quantity and quality. Some of the challenges are: lack of research fund, fewer facilities, poor management support system, teaching load, shortage of qualified and committed staff. MU has few laboratories to support research and they are not fully operational and poor preservation. Last but not least, academic freedom was not observed, staffs are reluctant to practice, even what has been granted by the proclamation. The current environment drive the existing staff to seek other employment.